Free Rides a Phone Call Away With MSDH Transportation to Health Program

Jackson, Miss. — The Mississippi State Department of Health has launched Transportation to Health for those needing a ride to a county health department or participating pharmacy. The federal-grant funded program provides transportation to and from county health department clinics and offices for health services or a WIC appointment. Rides can also be scheduled to pick up prescriptions received at health department appointments.

“Transportation to Health can eliminate delayed or missed appointments by the most vulnerable people in Mississippi," said Dr. Victor Sutton, MSDH Chief of Community Health and Clinical Services. “Transportation is a social determinant of health that affects communities in several ways, such as access to care, social services and educational opportunities.”

“The MSDH Office of Health Equity’s mission is to reduce health disparities and provide access to opportunities for all Mississippians to live healthy lives,” said Dr. Nikki Johnson, director. “When a patient cannot access reliable and safe transportation, there is less opportunity to engage in healthy behaviors, which improves health outcomes.”

Adults 18 and over can schedule rides in one of three ways:

• When you make an appointment, you'll be asked whether you need transportation.
• Call 855-767-0170 at least 30 minutes before your appointment.
• If you are filling a prescription from your health department visit and need a ride to a pharmacy, you can call to arrange a ride or to add a stop to your trip.

Passengers are transported by Uber drivers. Drivers are still needed in the following counties: Adams, Alcorn, Attala, Calhoun, Carroll, Clark, Clay, Copiah, Grenada, Jasper, Jones, Lamar, Leflore, Lincoln, Monroe, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Pearl River, Pike, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Simpson, Tallahatchie, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha and Yazoo.

Adults interested in driving for Uber can apply online at https://www.uber.com/us/en/drive/

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Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667
Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call (601) 576-7400