The health services is doing its part to make life more accessible across the county.
Haliburton Highlands Health Services announced today, it has added a seven-seater van to its fleet of accessible vehicles. HHHS says they were able to get the van because of the Central Est Local Health Integration Network’s community investment funding.
According to the health services, the van itself is going to be used for many things, including group transportation to regional dialysis programs, mental health and adult day programs, medical transportation, and added transportation services for the Haliburton County Youth Hub.
“Transportation is such a challenge in rural communities such as ours,” says Stephanie MacLaren, VP, Community Programs. “The demand for our existing van sky-rocketed over the past year. We are very pleased to be able to better address the needs of our community. Through transportation programs such as ours, clients are able to attend programming that not only supports them with their medical needs but also helps to reduce isolation and provide respite to caregivers.”
Lisa Tompkins, the Executive Director of the HHHS Foundation says “being able to attend medical appointments and supportive programs is a key component of the health and wellness
journey for so many, and the Foundation is pleased to be able to support HHHS’ delivery of service with the addition of this accessible van”.
The hospital says between the HHHS transportation program and volunteer drivers, 545 residents were provided with 13,500 rides over the past year.