Successful ‘GoGo’ Transportation Service Expands – Hudson Valley Press

POUGHKEEPSIE

Safe and Accessible Transportation for Seniors in Dutchess County

The aging population is growing, both nationally and in Dutchess County. As a result, ensuring safe and accessible transportation for seniors has become a significant concern. In response to this issue, the Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) launched a new transit solution in partnership with GoGo Technologies last year. This program provides free on-demand rides for older adults to non-emergency medical appointments. The initiative has been highly successful and will expand in 2024 with a $25,000 grant from the Field Hall Foundation and support from the New York State Office for the Aging.

The GoGo Grandparent Program

The OFA’s partnership with GoGo Technologies, also known as “GoGo Grandparent,” offers a convenient and accessible transportation option for seniors in Dutchess County. This program specifically caters to older adults who lack transportation to and from non-emergency medical appointments or outpatient procedures where driving is not recommended. Since its launch in May 2023, over 150 seniors have registered for the program, resulting in more than 530 trips to medical appointments.

County Executive’s Support

County Executive Sue Serino acknowledges the challenges faced by seniors when they no longer drive, particularly when it comes to accessing medical appointments. She praises the OFA’s partnership with GoGo Technologies for providing a valuable resource that allows older adults to schedule reliable rides to and from doctor’s appointments. Serino expresses gratitude for the additional funding from the Field Hall Foundation and the NYS Office for the Aging, which will enable the program to reach more local seniors and provide them with this essential service.

How the Program Works

Seniors who register for the program through OFA can schedule a ride with GoGo Grandparent in advance or on the day they need transportation. An Uber or Lyft driver will then pick them up and take them to their destination. The County’s OFA reimburses GoGo Grandparent for each ride, ensuring that registered program participants receive free transportation. GoGo Grandparent also prioritizes safety by tracking rides and screening drivers to meet the additional needs of their riders. OFA staff follows up with registered seniors to assess their satisfaction with the rides and the program. Local clients have praised the program for its efficiency, reliability, and commitment to improving the well-being of the County’s aging population.

Expansion Plans

Thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Field Hall Foundation and a $20,000 grant from the New York State Office for the Aging, Dutchess County’s GoGo Grandparents program will expand its services in 2024. The additional funding will allow OFA to explore broadening the scope of the GoGo Grandparent partnership. This may include offering rides to seniors who wish to visit a loved one in a hospital or nursing home, as some clients have expressed a need for transportation for this purpose.

Field Hall Foundation’s Support

The Field Hall Foundation, a private foundation dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and their caregivers, is proud to support Dutchess County’s Office for the Aging in expanding this valuable resource. The foundation focuses on supporting programs and projects that directly impact low-income and vulnerable older adults and their caregivers in Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties, addressing their basic needs.

Positive Feedback and Future Plans

OFA Director Todd Tancredi expresses his delight at the high utilization of the GoGo Grandparent program by older adults throughout Dutchess County. He acknowledges that reliable transportation can be a challenge for seniors who no longer drive or live alone. Tancredi emphasizes that the Office for the Aging is proud to offer this option and looks forward to enrolling more residents in the GoGo Grandparent program. He extends his appreciation to both the Field Hall Foundation and the New York State Office for the Aging for their support.

Registration Process

Older adults interested in the GoGo Grandparent program can find additional information on the OFA’s website. To register, seniors need to call the OFA at 845-486-2555 and provide their name, street address (including apartment number if applicable), phone number, and contact information of a family member or caregiver who can be notified when the client schedules a ride with GoGo Grandparent. If special accommodations such as a wheelchair, walker, service animal, or portable oxygen are needed, seniors should inform OFA during the registration process.

Other Transportation Options

GoGo Grandparent is one of several transportation options available to local older adults through the Dutchess County OFA. More information can be found on the OFA’s website at dutchessny.gov/ofatransportation. Alternatively, individuals can call 845-486-2555 or email ofa@dutchessny.gov for further assistance.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential healthcare services, and access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all
   • Indicator 3.8.1: Coverage of essential health services

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities

Analysis

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   The article addresses the issue of providing safe and accessible transportation for seniors to attend non-emergency medical appointments. This is relevant to SDG 3, which aims to ensure good health and well-being for all. By providing transportation options, the program helps seniors access essential healthcare services.

   • The specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified is Target 3.8, which focuses on achieving universal health coverage and access to quality essential healthcare services for all.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 3.8.1, which measures the coverage of essential health services.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   The article highlights the partnership between the Dutchess County Office for the Aging (OFA) and GoGo Technologies to provide transportation services for seniors. This is relevant to SDG 9, which aims to develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.

   • The specific target under SDG 9 that can be identified is Target 9.1, which focuses on developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 9.1.1, which measures the proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   The article discusses the expansion of the GoGo Grandparent program to serve more seniors in Dutchess County. This is relevant to SDG 11, which aims to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.

   • The specific target under SDG 11 that can be identified is Target 11.2, which focuses on providing access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • The indicator mentioned in the article is Indicator 11.2.1, which measures the proportion of the population that has convenient access to public transport, taking into account factors such as sex, age, and disabilities.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: hudsonvalleypress.com

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.