Did you know that access to reliable transportation is one of the biggest barriers to healthcare for many of our patients? In our rural community, the lack of public transportation means people must rely on personal vehicles. Unfortunately, for many patients at Promise Community Health Center, owning a vehicle is simply out of reach.
That’s why we launched our Transportation Program in 2022 and it has made a world of difference. Since the program began, we’ve provided over 800 rides to 250 patients, helping them get to their appointments, pick up medications at pharmacies, and get back home safely. However, the need is still great, and we need volunteers to keep this program moving forward!
Here are just a few stories that highlight how needed transportation volunteers are:
- We had a mother who recently gave birth and had to walk to Promise with her baby in the car seat since she did not have a ride.
- Patients are often dropped off at Promise with no way to get home. While our transportation program can often give them a ride home, it has caused unnecessary stress and hardship for patients.
- Specialty appointments in Sioux Falls or Sioux City—sometimes urgent—are missed because patients have no transportation which prolongs their pain and delays access to care.
These situations are far too common, but with your help as a volunteer driver, we can ensure no one is left behind.
As a volunteer driver, you’ll help patients by providing rides to local places such as Sioux Center Health, nearby pharmacies, or even back home after their appointments. Occasionally, you may be asked to assist with longer trips to Sioux Falls or Sioux City, which typically occur about once a month. All opportunities are scheduled in advance, with 2–4 patients per week in need of transportation. Your willingness to volunteer can make a significant difference in ensuring our patients have access to the care they need.
Whether you can volunteer once a month or once a week, your time can make a huge impact. By volunteering, you’re not just providing a ride—you’re offering peace of mind, reducing stress, and ensuring our patients get the care they need.