Arkansas 211 has been awarded grants totaling $97,000 to launch a statewide partnership with the rideshare company Lyft. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) will promote the free service through its eight regional campuses throughout the state.
An $87,000 grant for free rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites is awarded by The Palo Alto Group and United Way Worldwide. An additional $10,000 grant for transportation to broad health and social needs is from Lyft and United Way Worldwide.
“UAMS Regional Campuses across Arkansas provide access to primary care services, and transportation can be a barrier to getting people the care they need,” said Amy Wenger, UAMS vice chancellor for regional campuses. “We are pleased to partner with Arkansas 211 and United Way of Northwest Arkansas to spread the word that free rides are available.”
The free Lyft transportation service is available statewide based on driver availability and Lyft market presence. There are no eligibility requirements. The service is not limited to UAMS appointments; riders can also use the service to access non-UAMS health and social needs where available.
“This year, Arkansas 211 made over 40,000 contacts with people needing help finding social services in their communities,” said Jackie Hancock, president and CEO of United Way of Northwest Arkansas. “We are pleased to add vaccination transportation assistance as an area where we can help.” United Way of Northwest Arkansas directs the statewide Arkansas 211 call for help program.
“The grants will support Lyft services to cover roughly 4,000 Arkansans and address the needs of those who do not have reliable transportation to stay healthy,” said Dallas Mudd, executive director of Arkansas 211. “Our 211 operators work in communities across Arkansas. People needing help can simply phone 211 and we will talk with the caller about their situation.”
Lyft services are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and while grant funding lasts.