|
State Funds Veteran Transportation Service
OCEAN COUNTY - Over 900 Ocean County veterans were transported to and from health care facilities in 2007 as part of the veterans transportation service, provided through Ocean County's Ocean Ride program.
Transportation is free and available to and from Brick, East Orange, Somerset, Philadelphia and Fort Dix.
This program is one of many available through Ocean County's transportation services such as Reserve-A-Ride, Shoppers Specials and Dialysis Transportation.
"Our veterans are a significant component of the community in Ocean County," said Freeholder Gerry P. Little, who serves as chairman of the Ocean County Veterans Service Bureau. "Our goal is to maintain their health by offering access to proper care."
The veterans transportation program is funded through a $30,000 state grant that covers one driver's salary.
"With over 68,000 veterans living in Ocean County, this program is essential for their well-being," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari.
"We are thankful for the opportunity to assist the heroes living in this county," Little added. "And we are pleased by the outcome of veterans who have taken advantage of this wonderful program and helped make it a success."
Transportation services anticipates a higher turnout this year. Those looking for relief from the higher fuel prices may utilize this service and surpass the total number of clients from last year.
Service is provided each day during the week based on the following schedule:
Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons to Veterans Medical Center in East Orange; Tuesdays to Lyons Hospital in Somerset; Wednesdays to the Philadelphia VA Clinic; and Fridays to Fort Dix Veterans Clinic.
Trips to the Brick VA Clinic can also be scheduled as well as drop-offs to catch the shuttle bus on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays running to East Orange.
To register for the veterans transportathe tion program or to schedule a trip, call the Veterans Service Bureau directly at 732- 929-2096. Appointments must be made two weeks in advance.
For transportation to the Brick VA Clinic or for routine medical appointments, call Ocean Ride at 732-736-8989.
For more information, go to www.co.ocean. nj.us/Transportation, or e-mail oceanrideinfo@ co.ocean.nj.us.
| 
