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Breast-cancer patients ride free to treatment
NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Lawrence County residents who have breast cancer can ride local buses free thanks to a grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
Angela Elias, transportation coordinator for Lawrence County Social Services, told Lawrence County commissioners Tuesday that the organization is giving the county $183,105 to pay for rides this year. She said that cancer patients can ride to sites in Lawrence, Mercer, Butler and Allegheny counties for treatment. If unsubsidized, the cost would range from $10 each way locally to $34 each way to Pittsburgh. The local Allied Coordinated Transportation Service is operated by Lawrence County Community Action Partnership.
The ride program is aimed at those on private insurance or not eligible for rides through other programs. There is no income qualifier.
Elias said the program will start once she receives contracts to sign. She is not sure when that will be but said those interested can call social services at (724) 658-558 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays for more information.
Elias said she hopes to renew the program each year.
She said after the meeting that the American Cancer Society told her that 195 breast-cancer victims have requested help in the past with transportation.
She also told commissioners that a program that transports senior citizens for free to grocery stores will continue this year despite a decrease in funding from the county. awrence County had given $6,000 last year to the program, and those dollars were matched with $36,000 from the state. However, commissioners have cut their contribution to $4,000 this year.
Under the program, ACTS buses pick up senior citizens at their door, helping them to the bus if necessary, for grocery trips.
Registration is required. For more information call (724) 652-5588.
Elias said that there are several programs that provide partially subsidized or free rides to various population groups for medical and other appointments. However, she said that any senior citizen can ride an ACTS bus for approximately $2 each way for local trips.