Special to The Sun-Sentinel
JACKSON — The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has announced a new program, Transportation to Health.
Addressing transportation barriers in both rural and urban areas is a step in the right direction toward moving Mississippi up.
Beginning Nov. 1 this new federal-grant funded demonstration program started providing patient transportation to and from county health departments and offices for health services. In addition, patients will have the opportunity to pick up prescriptions at partnering pharmacies if they were prescribed during their appointment.
State Health Officer Dr. Daniel Edney explained, “Improving and protecting the health of all Mississippians is the mission of our agency. This new program will assist us in achieving the mission. Creating access to health care is always the best choice.”
For new or existing appointments, patients will contact the MSDH call center at 855-767-0170 to request transportation. The Office of Health Equity will coordinate an Uber ride at no cost to the patient, and no need to download the app.
“Transportation to Health can eliminate delayed or missed appointments by the most vulnerable people in Mississippi,” said Victor D. Sutton, chief of Community Health and Clinical Services at the Mississippi State Department of Health.