For Immediate Release March 1, 2007
Contact: Mari Barnes, 847-432-3240
Supervisor Mari Barnes announced that the Healthcare Foundation of
Highland Park has awarded Moraine Township a one-year grant to
underwrite the Moraine Door-to-Door paratransit van service for
residents requiring assistance in getting to medical
appointments. The grant of $60,000 will allow the Township to
increase its van service by leasing a second vehicle.
In operation since last May, Moraine Door-to-Door has been taking local
seniors and disabled riders to medical appointments within and beyond
Township borders in a 6-9 passenger paratransit van leased from PACE
and otherwise completely paid for by Township funds. Having
secured Foundation support, Moraine Township will now lease a second
van, with the priority on medical appointment travel, but with a plan
to expand the type of destination. Only medical appointment rides
will be supported by Healthcare Foundation funds, in keeping with their
mission.
Moraine Township also continues to maintain its senior taxi coupon
program, and "Clinic Coupons" for patients of the Lake County Health
Center clinic in Highland Park, to assist all residents to the quality
of life embraced by this community.
"We deeply appreciate the generosity of the community-based Healthcare
Foundation of Highland Park, and the efforts of their board members
like Mayor Michael Belsky, for this support," said Supervisor
Barnes.
"Ridership has nearly doubled this winter, with vans often filled to
capacity all day, so it is very clear that the demand is there for a
second van. We should gain some flexibility and efficiencies with
two vans, and eventually be able to add on non-medical destinations to
improve quality of life for our residents.
"Until PACE service catches up with the comprehensive transportation
needs of residents in Lake County, we will continue to attempt to
secure additional sources of funding to serve our seniors, disabled and
economically disadvantaged residents with appropriate transportation
services," Barnes continued.
"We are most grateful to the Healthcare Foundation of Highland Park for
taking on this resource gap in support of resident medical access
needs."
Moraine Door-to-Door operates Monday through Friday, 8:30am to
4:00pm. Appointments must be made 48 hours in advance so that
staff can schedule efficiently. Cost to users is $4 each ride,
with caregivers and assistance equipment, if needed, riding at no extra
fee. Interested persons should call the dedicated van line
number, 847-432-3000, to reserve a ride. Call the Township
general number, 847-432-3240, for further information, and consult the
website at www.morainetownship.org.
--30--
Posted March 1, 2007