OSHKOSH (NBC 26) — The Winnebago County Health Department announced in a press release that transportation assistance is now available to individuals in Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties who need transportation or help navigating transportation options to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Free transportation options include:
- Public transit rides through GO Transit (Oshkosh) and Valley Transit (Fox Cities) fixed route bus services to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments. See Frequently Asked Questions [r20.rs6.net] for more information.
- Paratransit rides through GO Plus (Oshkosh) and Valley Transit II (Fox Cities) services to and from COVID-19 vaccination appointments for certified paratransit riders who are unable to use the fixed route bus system. Paratransit riders must call a day in advance to make a trip reservation and indicate that they are going to get their COVID-19 vaccine. Staff will make a note in their records to alert the driver that the rider does not need to pay a fare for their trip.
- BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid members who are eligible for non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services may schedule rides to COVID-19 vaccination appointments with MTM (866-907-1493) once members have confirmed their appointment. This includes rides scheduled the same day as the appointment.
- If unable to use transit or paratransit, free transportation rides are available by cab, Uber, and Lyft for eligible individuals by calling Make the Ride Happen at 920-225-1719 to schedule a ride.
- For questions, scheduling, and to learn about free transportation options call Make the Ride Happen at 920-225-1719.
To schedule transportation for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, community members can call Make the Ride Happen at 920-225-1719 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free transportation will be available for residents of Winnebago, Outagamie and Calumet counties who have COVID-19 vaccination appointments within any of these three counties. Transportation assistance will be available through the end of the year.
Make the Ride Happen will not be able to assist individuals with scheduling their COVID-19 vaccination appointments. For information on how to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, residents are encouraged to follow their local health department online and social media for the latest updates or call 211 to find your local health department.
"Getting residents in our area vaccinated is our highest priority. This program is designed to eliminate transportation barriers to receiving this vaccine," said Lynnsey Erickson, Community Health Strategist with the Winnebago County Health Department.
GO Transit and Valley Transit are taking precautions to ensure a safe riding environment across all transportation services. All riders are required by federal law to wear face masks on board
vehicles and at transit facilities as specified under the President’s Executive Order.
“We are honored to be able to support our community by offering safe, reliable transportation to anyone who needs it,” said Ron McDonald, Valley Transit General Manager.
Free transportation options are available thanks to local funders.
See Frequently Asked Questions [r20.rs6.net] for more information.
Appleton Health Department:
https://www.appleton.org/residents/health [r20.rs6.net]
https://www.facebook.com/appletoncityhall [r20.rs6.net]
Menasha Health Department:
https://www.cityofmenasha-wi.gov/departments/health/index.php [r20.rs6.net]
https://www.facebook.com/menashahealthdepartment [r20.rs6.net]
Calumet County Public Health:
https://www.calumetcounty.org/156/Public-Health [r20.rs6.net]
https://www.facebook.com/calumetcountypublichealth [r20.rs6.net]
Outagamie County Public Health:
https://www.outagamie.org/government/f-through-m/health-human-services/public-health [r20.rs6.net]
https://www.facebook.com/OCPublicHealth/ [r20.rs6.net]
Winnebago County Public Health:
https://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/health [r20.rs6.net]
https://www.facebook.com/WinnebagoHealth/ [r20.rs6.net]
The public can also sign up for weekly updates [r20.rs6.net] about COVID-19 vaccination from the DHS.
