Low-Income Seniors To Receive Free Rides To Doctors

TARPON SPRINGS, FL -- Florida Hospital North Pinellas, soon to be AdventHealth North Pinellas, is partnering with the city of Tarpon Springs and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority to provide free transportation to medical services for low-income seniors in the Tarpon Springs community.

All three organizations cut the ribbon on the program, Healthy Hop, on Monday, Dec. 3, at Florida Hospital North Pinellas.

“We want to be sure people are getting the care they need, when they need it,” said Jason Dunkel, president and CEO of Florida Hospital North Pinellas. “As partners in this community, we want to make investments that help our neighbors live their healthiest life possible.”

Through the partnership, low-income seniors age 65 and older can receive two round trips or four one-way trips per month to medical services such as doctor appointments. Seniors will be able to call PSTA to book a ride up to two weeks in advance through LYFT, United Taxi and Wheelchair Transport for transportation based on their needs.

“PSTA’s mission is to safely connect people to places,” said Brad Miller, CEO of PSTA. “We pride ourselves on being innovative leaders in mobility and partnering with Florida Hospital North Pinellas and the city of Tarpon Springs has allowed us to provide this on-demand medical transportation service (one of the first of its kind) to safely connect the most vulnerable in our community to receiving proper healthcare.”

“I am very excited that the city, PSTA and Florida Hospital North Pinellas have been able to make this program a reality by working together,” said Tarpon Springs Mayor Chris Alahouzos. “Our Senior Information Center at the Tarpon Springs Library is standing by to assist our seniors in signing up for Healthy Hop.”

A complete list of medical facilities, pharmacies and grocery stores within the program can be found on the PSTA website.

Image via Florida Hospital North Pinellas

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