Source: RLS Media
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, has received a $565,000 grant from the Health Access Fund of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to support patient transportation.
According to officials, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is providing free rideshare services through Uber Health to patients who need assistance traveling to and from Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, including those who need transportation upon leaving the emergency department.
Since the beginning of this year, approximately 3,300 patients and visitors have received Uber rides to and from the hospital.
“At Newark Beth Israel, we strive to remove all barriers to care and to eliminate healthcare disparities. This grant helps us deliver on that mission for thousands of patients and their families,” said Darrell K. Terry, Sr., MHA, MPH, FACHE, FHELA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey.
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is one of more than 20 organizations to receive a grant through the Health Access Fund, which aims to reduce health disparities in underserved communities, particularly for people of color living on low incomes.
In partnership with Uber, PayPal, and Walgreens, LISC created the Health Access Fund to advance health equity by addressing transportation barriers to accessing health care and other essential services.
“We’re proud to work with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to help break down transportation barriers that keep too many people from accessing the health services they need to live a happy, full life,” said Jorge Cruz, executive director of LISC Newark.
“This collaboration is part of LISC’s larger efforts to improve the quality of life for Newark’s most vulnerable residents. Along with addressing health concerns, our work helps connect people to affordable housing, quality education, and jobs with growth potential.”