VON Antigonish partners with local bus charter to get patients to their medical appointments

VON Antigonish staff noticed patients, particularly seniors and people with mobility issues, had limited access to a vehicle or couldn’t afford transportation - meaning people were postponing appointments or not attend them at all. Inspired by community partnerships in Ottawa, VON partnered with a local bus and charter service. With a grant from the municipality, VON purchased $5,000 worth of credits from the transit service so those needing assistance getting to medical appointments can apply for the service and the credits cover part of the cost. Most patients pay between 25 and 50% of the cost of a trip while VON handles administrative costs for the program. The service has shown to be sustainable. In the first year, the program helped 60 people get to medical appointments they otherwise wouldn't have attended.