A Comox-based service that transports patients to medical appointments is getting provincial cash.
Wheels for Wellness is receiving $105,000 to purchase three vans.
The vans will expand transportation services across the Island Health region.
Since 1997, Wheels has provided transportation to centralized medical appointments for those who need it.
The Society will pick you up at your home, take you where you need to go, wait for you and return you to your home.
It will take you to any out of town medical appointment. For example: Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River that exceeds 60 kilometres (one way) from your point of departure.
Overall, the province is providing roughly $1.23 million to 13 community organizations throughout B.C., for projects that improve transportation services for seniors.
Community groups will purchase 12 buses and vans and make other improvements to existing transportation services for seniors.
Health minister Adrian Dix said that a lack of access to transportation can increase social isolation, and undermine a person’s ability to complete daily activities.
He noted that those activities range from grocery shopping, health appointments, and engaging in community programs that improve mental and physical well-being.
“That’s why we are taking steps to resolve this barrier,” Dix said.
“This announcement is the first of several steps to support and enhance the work non-profit organizations do to help seniors live better, healthier lives in community. This reflects Premier John Horgan’s strong commitment to seniors in B.C.”
