Licking Memorial Health Systems - Measurably different...for your health
Transportation to Medical Appointments Available Through LMHS Ride Program

When assessing the needs of Licking County, Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) found a lack of transportation was creating a barrier to good health and wellbeing.  Patients often reported they were unable to attend scheduled appointments, missed follow-up visits, or could not receive laboratory testing.  Building new facilities and creating clinics close to downtown Newark offered care in more convenient locations and alleviated some of the transportation issues; however, the challenge remained for many area residents.  With a desire to assist patients, Licking Memorial Community Case Management created the LMHS Ride Program in the summer of 2019 to offer free transportation for non-emergent medical and healthcare appointments.  LMHS Ride provides transport to and from Licking Memorial Health Professionals (LMHP) appointments and Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Radiology, Laboratory and Cardiology Departments.  Patients also may be driven to non-LMHS physicians and mental health pre-scheduled appointments within Licking County. 

Born and raised in Licking County, Linda Brown recently returned to Newark after spending time in Mount Vernon with her granddaughter.  She does not own a car due to the expense and relies on public transportation.  While at a regularly scheduled appointment, Linda shared with an LMHS professional that she was concerned about attending future visits because transit bus scheduling was becoming more complicated due to high demand.  The staff member told Linda about the LMHS Ride Program.  “When I called to find out how to use the program, the coordinator made it so easy, and I had a ride scheduled for my next appointment right away,” Linda said.  “Riding in the van is very comfortable, and I am so grateful to LMHS for providing this service.”

A coordinator assists in scheduling patients for pick-up by one full-time and one part-time driver who are available Mondays, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  “I feel very safe with both the drivers.  They are kind, polite, considerate and conscientious about making sure I am at my appointment well before the scheduled time,” Linda shared.  Any Licking County resident, 18 years of age or older, without another transportation option, including managed care insurance with transportation benefits, is eligible to use the program.  Patients requesting transportation service must be able to access the vehicle unassisted or have the assistance of a care giver.  Wheelchair transport is not available.  One support person may accompany the patient.  Upon completion of the scheduled medical visit, return transportation is provided within a timeframe available to drivers.

The LMHS Ride coordinator works closely with the employees at the LMHP offices and LMH services to ensure a driver is available before an appointment is scheduled.  From January 2020 until September 2020, the drivers completed 983 rides.  Severe weather or road conditions pose a hazard for both patients and the drivers, so the coordinator notifies affected persons as soon as possible if the ride has to be cancelled.  LMHS asks that riders obey the following rules:

  • Passengers should be ready for pick up 30 to 45 minutes prior to their scheduled time to limit delays
  • Seatbelt must be fastened at all times
  • No standing while the vehicle is in motion
  • Be respectful and courteous to other passengers
  • No eating or drinking in the vehicle
  • No alcohol, recreational drugs, or weapons
  • No smoking, vaping, or use of other tobacco products
  • No loud music
  • No profane or offensive language nor verbal or physical abuse of other passengers or driver
  • Contact LMHS Ride 24 hours in advance, or as soon as possible, if your appointment is cancelled
  • LMHS is not responsible for lost personal items. 
LMHS reserves the right, at any time, to refuse to transport disruptive persons, and may dismiss those from this voluntary program for violating the rules.  To find out more about the program or schedule an appointment, please call (220) 564-7433 (LMH-RIDE).

| Posted On : 12/23/2020 4:29:14 PM