Oakland County, SMART Partner To Provide Access To COVID Vaccine

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Oakland County residents who need transportation to and from their scheduled COVID-19 vaccine appointment may be in luck. The county and SMART announced this week that they are teaming up to provide additional access to appointments.

“As we expand to offering doses to anyone over 18, we want to make sure that transportation does not stand in the way of access to one of our clinics throughout the county,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “We appreciate SMART’s partnership at this critical time.”

The county recently began incorporating SMART into its COVID-19 vaccine registration form online. Now, anyone looking to sign up for a vaccine appointment can check a box indicating whether they need a ride to their appointment.

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Upon receiving a confirmation email, the person signing up for the vaccine can call a designated phone number to schedule their transportation to and from the clinic. Staff from the Oakland County Health Division will contact SMART to arrange transportation directly with the client, the county said.

“Our partnership with SMART helps connect Oakland County residents to vaccination clinics,” Oakland County Health and Human Services Director Leigh-Anne Stafford said. “Providing assistance with transportation helps ensure no one is left out of the vaccination process.”

The county said the SMART VAX Ride program is a multi-pronged approach that leverages services, partners and federal funding to adapt to the vaccination programs being offered throughout the region.

“As eligibility, doses, and sites continue to expand and grow, it becomes even more important to coordinate SMART’s services with those providing vaccines, as vaccines are a critical step in our region’s road to recovery,” SMART Deputy General Manager Robert Cramer said. “Our partnership will help automatically connect those who need it with a safe, free ride to and from a vaccine.”

Read More: Oakland County Receives Over 30,000 COVID Vaccine Doses From MI