Wellington County residents have options for getting to and from their COVID vaccine appointment if transportation is an issue.
Ride Well, the county-run rideshare program similar to Uber, is offering a 50 per cent discount code for those using the service to attend a vaccine appointment.
“We don’t want transportation to be an issue for people who want to attend a vaccine clinic,” said Crystal Ellis, county economic development director.
Ellis explained people can input the code “VACCINE” on the coupon line in the app or web page or mention the code when booking over the phone.
No proof is required but Ellis mentioned they are able to monitor when the code is used and the destination.
Ellis said a side-benefit to this offer is it helps promote awareness of the ridesharing option.
The Fergus-based Community Resource Centre (CRC) is also helping bridge the transportation gap when it comes to vaccines.
Ali Kane-DeCaire, CRC volunteer and development coordinator, said low-income individuals who qualify can get a no-cost ride to their appointment if they have no other transportation option.
This is an extension of a transportation program running since 2007 from CRC that takes individuals to various medical appointments.
“If you’re low-income, especially in rural areas in those little towns that are scattered, to get to appointments is really tricky and it’s a barrier for those families,” Kane-DeCaire said.
CRC services Centre Wellington, Minto, Mapleton and Wellington North residents.
She explained they would normally have volunteer drivers but have shifted since the pandemic.
“We are paying for people to use the Ride Well service and taxi..clients can still call us and we’ll still make arrangements for them,” Kane-DeCaire said.
Kane-DeCaire encourages people to call them at 519-843-7003 and even if people don’t meet the criteria, they may be able to refer them to an organization that can.
