St. Luke’s assists funding for Valley Regional Transit healthcare transportation expansion in Elmore County

A sixth-month expansion of a program broadening access to healthcare transportation in Elmore County is underway. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) has launched a six-month expansion of its Rides2Wellness program, helping people travel within, to or from the county. The pilot is jointly funded by St. Luke’s, a primary supporter of Rides2Wellness.

Rides2Wellness provides no-cost, prescheduled transportation to and from approved healthcare facilities in Ada and Canyon counties. Expanding the service to Elmore County will connect even more community members to essential medical care.

“Access to healthcare begins with the ability to get to your appointment. Through our partnership with Valley Regional Transit and collaboration with Desert Sage Health Centers, the Rides2Wellness program helps remove transportation barriers that can prevent Elmore County residents from accessing care,” said Lisa Melchiorre, chief operating officer/chief nursing officer at St. Luke’s Elmore. “Desert Sage has been a great partner in advancing this work, and we’re optimistic about this program’s ability to expand access to care and improve health outcomes in our communities.”

On July 18, St. Luke’s Elmore hosted its annual Golf Classic and silent auction. The 116 golfers, along with bidders, helped raise $49,700. The funds will benefit staff scholarships, along with the VRT partnership.

Since its launch in 2016, Rides2Wellness has provided critical transportation to medical appointments, made possible through funding from St. Luke’s and Saint Alphonsus Health Systems.

“VRT is proud to provide essential transportation that helps people access healthcare,” said Leslie Pedrosa, VRT’s Chief Operating Officer. “This wouldn’t be possible without our partners. In the last six months alone, the program provided 12,000 rides to critical appointments, and we anticipate even more trips as Rides2Wellness grows.”

Rides to and from Mountain Home can be booked by calling VRT customer service at 208-345-7433. Trips are available from 7:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m., Monday-Friday. As the six-month pilot nears its end later this year, VRT and St. Luke’s will evaluate whether the expansion should become permanent.

More information is available here.