Project Overview
The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded Marshall University’s Appalachian Transportation Institute an innovative pilot program aimed at improving access to substance use disorder treatment and recovery in the greater Huntington, WV region. Key project components include expanding and enhancing available transportation options, providing guidance to treatment and recovery workers about available transportation options, integrating innovative ride dispatching technology, and subsidizing transportation for a select group of recovery patients. The pilot program launched in October 2019 and will continue providing rides until March 31, 2021.
Goals
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- Mobility Advisor training – Through training, guidance, and software support, establish and maintain a mobility advisor network capable of assisting those going through treatment and recovery programs with their transportation needs.
- Improve mobility options – Establish new or improved mobility solutions including greater use of transportation network companies such as Lyft, creation of social enterprise shuttle system, and partnerships with non-emergency medical transportation providers, local public transit providers, and employers.
- Subsidize rides – Schedule and subsidize rides for a select group of individuals who have identified transportation as a key barrier to recovery.
Program Donations
The Thrasher Group donated a Chevy Suburban and a Dodge Durango that are being utilized by Recovery Point in Huntington their efforts to create shuttle service for recovery patients.
Donation Needs
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- Financial assistance to continue supporting rides after the pilot program ends
- New infant/toddler and booster car seats (2 each for the shuttle service)
- Bicycles, new or used to provide recovery patients with sustainable transportation during and after recovery treatment