ILION, N.Y. — Herkimer County HealthNet announced it has awarded the RIDE program of Herkimer County Catholic Charities $3,700 to support health-care transportation in rural communities.
The RIDE program of Catholic Charities of Herkimer County provides medical transportation both in and out of the county to Herkimer County residents age 55 and older.
The donation from Herkimer HeathNet will assist the RIDE program in reimbursing volunteer drivers so that seniors can continue to “age in place.”
Herkimer County HealthNet says it’s a nonprofit that works to “improve the health and well-being of individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County.”
“Herkimer HealthNet is pleased to donate $3,700 to the Catholic Charities RIDE Program,” Elyse Enea, executive director of Herkimer County HealthNet, said in a statement. “One of the primary barriers in access to health care in rural communities is transportation. The RIDE program is a critical service for older individuals who may not have other alternatives for transportation. RIDE supports transportation for seniors to their medical appointments. The financial support provided by Herkimer County HealthNet will assist in maintaining this important service to the community.”
“The program is essential in helping our seniors maintain and improve their overall health. We are very grateful for the support from Herkimer HealthNet for our program,” Rae Raffle-Maxson of Catholic Charities of Herkimer County, added.
The RIDE program is operated by RSVP volunteers that serve as dispatchers and drivers. Last year, volunteer drivers transported seniors more than 60,000 miles, according to Catholic Charities of Herkimer County.
The nonprofit says the RIDE program is currently in “desperate need” of volunteer drivers. If anyone is interested, please contact Rae Raffle-Maxson at Catholic Charities of Herkimer County at (315) 894-9917.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com