MONROE, La. – On April 19, 2021, United Way Northeast Louisiana announced the launch of its new program that offers residents free rides to COVID-19 vaccination sites in the NELA area.
According to a press release from United Way, the “Ride United Vaccine Access Campaign” is made possible through a grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation in partnership with United Way Worldwide and the Louisiana Association of United Ways. United Way says its program will help more eligible people get immunized to protect their health and the health of the community.
Rides are provided through Lyft ride credits, which you can activate on a Lyft smartphone app. Or you can call 211 to schedule a ride, subject to Lyft availability. As of Monday, April 19, the program is underway in the 12-parish region of Northeast Louisiana. Those who need a ride to get their vaccine should visit lyft.com/vaccine-access and click “Get a ride” to see if there are eligible services in their area.
Michael Tipton, President of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation says they want to help as many people as possible get their vaccine.
“Now that the COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone 16 and older in Louisiana, we want to help as many people as possible get their shot,” said Tipton. “Unfortunately, lack of transportation prevents many people who would otherwise sign up from getting the COVID-19 vaccine. That’s why we’re proud to support the Ride United Vaccine Access Campaign and make free rides available to and from vaccine appointments for those who need them. Vaccination not only improves health and lives, it’s how we can get back to the things and the people we love.”
“Time and again, we at LA 211 have worked to give personalized attention to the elderly and vulnerable populations, ensuring that they have information to take effective steps to stay well as we navigate COVID-19,” says Sarah Berthelot, President and CEO of the Louisiana Association of United Ways. “Now in Northeast Louisiana, 211 is able to provide transportation help through the Ride United Vaccine Access effort to provide equitable access for best health.”
