Catholic Social Services launches RideLink service

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SIDNEY – In need of transportation to a doctor’s appointment, but don’t know who to call? Running low on groceries, but don’t have reliable transportation? The prescription is ready to be picked up at the pharmacy, but there’s no way of getting there? Would you love to volunteer in your community, but transportation is holding you back?

Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley (CSSMV) is rolling out a new program to help individuals in Champaign, Darke, Logan, Miami, Preble and Shelby counties find safe, reliable and affordable transportation to and from medical and non-medical appointments.

RideLink is designed to “link” a caller with transportation providers that best meet the individual’s needs, depending on the desired service, location and ability to pay.

By calling the toll-free number (800-521-6419) and asking for RideLink services, callers will receive a list of transportation options for medical and non-medical appointments in their area. CSSMV has compiled a comprehensive list of providers in six counties. Some providers will even transport out of the area to Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton and locations in Indiana. Callers will be asked several questions in order to link them with providers that best meet their needs.

There is no cost for the call or the information. There may be a fee for transportation services depending on the provider chosen. Callers are urged to plan ahead, as most providers require 24 hours notice to ensure transport.

In most cases, the individual is responsible for calling the provider to schedule the trip. CSSMV can assist individuals in making the call if they have limited resources or an inability to connect with the transportation provider.

“We know that finding transportation services in rural areas can be challenging,” said Michelle Caserta, CSSMV Mobility Manager. “Our goal is to give people as many options as possible. We do not recommend one provider over another. It is still the individual’s choice of which provider to contact once we give out the information.”

The RideLink program has been made possible by an Ohio Coordination Grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. The RideLink call center at Catholic Social Services is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number to call is 800-521-6419.

Will assist people in Champaign, Darke, Logan, Miami, Preble and Shelby counties

Submitted story

Submitted by Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley, which strengthens individuals and families through actions of faith, service and charity. To learn more about the agency’s programs in the Northern Miami Valley, visit www.cssmv-sidney.org.

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