Transportation is a barrier to health care. A new program in Monroe Co. addresses that

Three local organizations came together to create the the Care Connects Program to help Monroe County residents who lack transportation to get to their medical appointments.

Sanofi Pasteur, located in Swiftwater, is funding the Care Connects Program through a $15,000 award to the Pocono Mountains United Way to help provide free medical transportation services through the Monroe County Transit Authority.

Care Connects is a newly-developed initiative to provide transportation services to lower-income families that struggle to meet their transportation needs — specifically those requiring medical attention within Monroe County.

According to Rich Schlameuss, CEO of MCTA, the program is designed for individuals that don't meet the qualifications for any of their other existing assistance programs, especially the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE residents represent the growing number of households in Monroe County that make too much money to qualify for assistance programs, but do not earn enough to afford necessities.

Schlameuss noted that this is program is not based on income, but rather it is need-driven. "Through community health need assessments done through St. Luke's and Lehigh Valley, it has been found that transportation is, in itself, a barrier to health care," he said.

"This program is an example of how United Way and MCTA can develop creative and realistic solutions to everyday challenges. We are grateful for Sanofi’s support," Schlameuss said.

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"We already have existing shared ride programs for anyone that is 65 years or older or persons with a disability that prevents them from driving a car," said Schlameuss. "So, for anyone else that isn't eligible for those programs, we now have this new program to help people get to their doctors' appointments or medical facilities within Monroe County, Monday through Friday."

“We at Sanofi recognize the inequities associated with access to health care, and we’re happy to support the access that Care Connects Program will provide,” said Phillip St. James, associate director for CSR and community relations at Sanofi U.S.

The new program will begin Monday, Oct. 2. Individuals interested in getting more information or signing up for the Care Connects transportation assistance program can call 570-839-6282 ext. 434.

This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: United Way, MCTA, Sanofi create free medical transportation service