ABOUT THE TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
The obstacles associated with aging and disabilities can lead to loss of independence and a diminished quality of life. The American Red Cross sees transportation assistance as a way to provide a support system to those in need. Through a corps of all volunteer drivers, last year the Greenwich Chapter provided 7,450 such rides.
Our free transportation service provides Greenwich residents rides to non-emergency medical, dental, physical therapy, well-baby clinic, rehabilitation and dialysis appointments.
We may respond to other transportation requirements as determined by Chapter management. This may include delivering medicine or other material from Greenwich Hospital to housebound persons or to take people to and from blood drive locations.
Transportation is provided in a fully-insured Red Cross vehicle (usually a station wagon) that meets specifications established by American Red Cross National headquarters. All vehicles are white and bear the Red Cross logo for easy identification. Our volunteer drivers also wear or carry Red Cross identification. All vehicles are equipped with two-way radios.
The transportation of individuals is a serious matter to the Red Cross. Every effort is made to ensure the safety of drivers and clients. All drivers must hold a valid drivers license, have a clean driving record and be in good health. In order to become a driver for the Chapter, a volunteer must, among other requirements, sign a Code of Conduct and a Pledge of Confidentiality, participate in road training with an experienced driver and participate in a Health & Safety training session.
Because this service is run by volunteers tipping is not necessary. Occasionally, clients offer contributions, although there is no charge or obligation. Any such money received by the driver is turned in to the Chapter office as a donation from the client.
SIGNING UP FOR SERVICE
The Greenwich Chapter contracts with the Transportation Association of Greenwich (TAG) for administrative support. TAG prepares driver and client schedules and handles dispatch from its office in Riverside.
Clients are scheduled for transportation through requests from Greenwich Hospital, doctor's offices, the Public Health Service and other agencies. Clients may also personally request transportation. Eligibility is subject to approval by TAG and is granted if space is available. Requests for transportation should be made as far in advance as possible. Clients should be ready to be picked up _ hour before their scheduled appointment time. To discuss the scheduling of an appointment, call TAG
at 637-4345. If it is necessary to cancel an appointment, please do so as soon as possible.
RESTRICTIONS ON RIDES
The service does not operate on Saturday, Sunday or holidays. Clients must be ambulatory although drivers may provide limited assistance to clients such as opening car doors, helping clients in and out of the Red Cross vehicles and folding and setting up walkers. We are unable to accommodate patients with wheelchairs.
Snow or ice may cause cancellations of service. The service is always cancelled when school busses are not operating. Cancellation is usually announced over WGCH, 1490 AM, the Greenwich radio station, and may be checked early in the morning by calling TAG at 637-4345 if there is doubt about service.
Clients are expected to use seat belts and, if transporting a child, to provide the appropriate safety seat.
Since our first priority is to get clients to their appointments on time, we ask their indulgence if they are required to wait a short time for the pick up on their return home.
Due to scheduling times, we cannot stop at pharmacies, stores, etc. for clients.
Transportation is limited to within Greenwich town limits unless otherwise approved by Chapter management.