Texas County Memorial Hospital has received $24,265 from Federal Transit Administration money given to the Missouri Department of Transportation.
MoDOT divvies out the federal funds through the “New Freedom Program,” which provides matching funds for capital and operating assistance for transit systems in the state that specifically assist people with disabilities.
Forty-two percent of Medivan patients require wheelchair accommodations available in the vans. The grant funds will be used to cover approximately half of the Medivans’ operating budget.
The TCMH Medivan is the non-emergency transportation van system owned by TCMH. Two Medivans provide transportation for medically related purposes across Texas County and the surrounding area.
TCMH received the Medivans through a $275,987 from the Missouri Foundation for Health. The grant was used over the course of three years to purchase two vans and to employ two drivers as well as covering costs such as fuel for the vans.
“These grants have helped the hospital operate the Medivan service with only a small operational loss,” said Wes Murray, chief executive officer at TCMH. “Gas prices have steadily risen since the vans hit the road in September 2005.”
Murray noted that with the increase in gas prices, the need for the Medivan has also risen.
“The Medivans provide a much needed service in our area to help patients get to medical appointments or to their pharmacy,” he said, “and we are committed to continuing to provide this service as we are able.”
Since their inception, the vans have traveled 119,376 miles in 5,111 one-way trips. Medivan trips average 23 miles one way.
“We are extremely grateful for the gift of this funding to assist with operational costs of the Medivan,” Murray said.
Medivan rides are low cost, ranging from $5 to $12.50 with additional charges for the occasional trips that travel outside of the usual TCMH service area. According to Murray, the transportation grant funding will be used to cover operational expenses in 2009 – fuel costs, in particular.
“As TCMH seeks to meet our mission of providing a ‘total commitment to maximum healthcare,’ we attempt to boost the healthcare services we are able to provide by seeking grant funding.” Murray said. “Again, we are fortunate to have been chosen to receive a grant to assist us with another excellent and important patient service.”