The Wexford County Council on Aging Awards Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority (CWTA) for New Freedom Volunteer Driver Program.

/ Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority/

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Carrie Thompson, CWTA Executive Director
Office: 231.775.9411
Mobile: 231.709.1899
Email: carrie@wexexpress.us

A unique program helping seniors, veterans and people with disabilities to get to medical appointments.

Cadillac, Mich. – The Wexford County Council on Aging Board recently acknowledged the Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority for its service enhancements that benefit seniors across the county.

“Both the WexExpress and the New Freedom programs have been invaluable to our Seniors in Wexford County,” stated COA Executive Director Kathy Kimmel. “The New Freedom program is especially helpful in providing transportation to out of town appointments for Seniors. And it’s greatly appreciated.”

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 no senior, veteran or disabled individual ever misses an appointment, no matter where it is in the State of Michigan.”

Typically, volunteers use their own vehicle to transport passengers and receive 50 cents per mile in reimbursement through a federal grant and support of partner agencies including the Wexford County Council on Aging. However, if the passenger has a mobility issue and requires an accessible vehicle, the program has one available for a volunteer to drive.

“During 2019, WexExpress provided 4,292 rides with the New Freedom program,” said Thompson. “That’s an increase of 2,172 rides over 2018 and we anticipate that number to continue to grow as the program matures. We’re always looking for ways to improve our service offerings for seniors and the communities that we serve”

For more information about the New Freedom Volunteer Driver Program including how you can become a volunteer driver, call New Freedom Coordinator Kristin Kendall at 231.942.7900 or visit wexexpress.us/mobility.

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The Cadillac/Wexford Transit Authority (CWTA) offers door-to-door public transit services to all residents and visitors of Wexford County. You can book your travel on WexExpress anytime from 5am to 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.