Since 2019, Saint Joseph Mount Sterling has donated thousands of dollars to Gateway Community Action to help secure low-cost public transportation for Montgomery County residents. MoCo Transit is a game changer for the community.
“There was no public transportation in Montgomery County before Gateway was able to secure a grant through the Kentucky Department of Transportation,” said Sherri Craig, vice president of public policy for CHI Saint Joseph Health. “We felt it is important that Saint Joseph Mount Sterling contribute toward the grant match requirement alongside the Montgomery County Fiscal Court, local businesses and other community leaders who saw this as a critical need for the county.”
Contributions are made each year through CHI Saint Joseph Health’s Community Relations Committee. In 2023, the committee pledged a $2,000 donation. That donation helps provide more than 1,600 people rides from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“Nearly 21,000 miles were driven in Montgomery County, taking residents to get their COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments, to the post office, to the grocery store and the library,” Craig said.
Between July 2022 and March 2023, MoCo Transit provided 2,819 trips. The bus runs Monday through Friday on regular routes, and residents may schedule private transportation in advance. Each trip costs $1 or 12 trips for $10. Vouchers are also available for low-income residents.
“Trips are free for community events, including Mount Sterling Court Days and local health fairs,” Craig said. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, residents received free rides to get their vaccination.”
Starting this year, two days a week are being extended from half days to full days, a second driver will be hired and two SUVs are being purchased to support more private transportation services.
“The need for public transportation was noted in our community health needs assessment,” said Sr. Janet Carr, director, spiritual care, CHI Saint Joseph Health. “The program started with a single van, and we’re delighted to see it grow as more residents become aware of this service.”
Patients can arrange for transportation to the hospital for services at a clinic, which is often the case. More importantly, Carr said patients are able to reach much-needed services easier now.
“We’re part of this community, our patients live and work in Montgomery County, and supporting the MoCo Transit is vital to the overall health and wellbeing of our community,” Carr said.
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Spirit of Health magazine's print edition is distributed quarterly and focuses on topics related to our CHI Saint Joseph Health purpose and values.
