Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority (CWTA) Is Leading The Way In Providing Seniors, Veterans And People With Disabilities With Statewide Medical Transportation.

/ Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority/

For Immediate Release
May 28, 2019

Contact:
Carrie Thompson, CWTA Executive Director
Office: 231.775.9411
Email: carrie@wexexpress.us

Cadillac, Mich. – A unique program offered by WexExpress is helping seniors, veterans and people with disabilities in Wexford and Missaukee counties to get to doctor appointments.

The New Freedom Volunteer Driver Program provides non-emergency medical transportation to hospitals, medical facilities, health clinics and doctor offices across the state.

“Transportation to medical appointments is a constant worry for those suffering from chronic conditions, many of whom are older adults,” explained CWTA Executive Director Carrie Thompson. “This program is designed to align passengers in need with available resources so that seniors, veterans and disabled individuals don’t miss critical appointments, no matter where they are in the State of Michigan.”

Typically, volunteers use their own vehicle to transport passengers and receive 50 cents per mile in reimbursement. However, if the passenger has a mobility issue and requires an accessible vehicle, the program has one available for a volunteer to drive.

“During the month of April, WexExpress provided 414 rides with the New Freedom program of which 40 were veterans,” said Thompson. “Year to date, we have provided 322 trips for veterans and we anticipate that number to grow as the program matures.”

Earlier this month, WexExpress was invited to attend an expo for AARP and The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. At the event, WexExpress was honored with an award for the New Freedom Volunteer Driver Program in recognition of their contribution to make Michigan the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

 For more information about the New Freedom Volunteer Driver Program, call New Freedom Coordinator Kristen Kendall at 231.942.7900 or visit wexexpress.us/mobility.

  

# # #

The Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority (CWTA) offers door-to-door public transit services to all residents and visitors of Wexford County. You can book travel between 5am and 10pm Monday through Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturday. CWTA also has routes daily to and from Traverse City, can help coordinate transportation to neighboring counties, and organize transportation to/from the Munson Medical Campus and area doctors/physicians. To schedule a ride, visit wexexpress.us or call dispatch at 231.779.0123.