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RSVP expands transportation program

Special to the Pahrump Valley Times
September 6, 2013 - 8:32 am
 

RSVP received additional funding for transportation services to expand their services to include younger persons with a disability. Volunteers are able to provide transportation services throughout Nevada’s rural communities as well as the ability to drive them to urban areas which offer the services they need.

The Nevada Rural Counties RSVP Program, Inc., (RSVP) has been serving seniors for 40 years. “We are able to help even more people now and can provide persons with disabilities aged 18 and older with free escorted transportation services provided by volunteers.” said Susan Haas, executive director and CEO of RSVP. “We need more drivers to help us to deliver these services, and we provide mileage reimbursement or offer our vans (when available) to transport those in need. I encourage volunteers to come forward and help fill the gaps for seniors and disabled persons who just need a little help to get to their doctor’s appointments. If you can volunteer a couple of hours a week or even once a month you will be providing a tremendous service to your community,” said Haas.

Nevada’s rural senior and disabled population are provided with escorted transportation service to the doctor, to pick up prescriptions, grocery shopping and for socialization which is so important to the confined elderly and those who are disabled. This assistance helps to allay the fear they will not be able to remain in their own homes where their possessions, family and memories all help improve their quality of life.

Lack of transportation has been identified as the greatest deterrent to accessing services and goods which enable people to remain independent, so it has become not only an economic problem (costs of institutionalization and long-term care which must be borne by state and local governments, shared with the federal government) but also one of quality of life. Not only do seniors and disabled persons wish to remain independently at home, but the public sector also benefits when they can remain at home rather than in a costly care facility. It saves tax payer dollars.

RSVP’s local field representative will have more details about how to volunteer or access free services. Call Jan Lindsay at 775-751-5282.

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