United Way of Central Alabama has launched the Ride United Vaccine Access Campaign, providing access to free and discounted rides in Jefferson County in partnership with Lyft. Vaccination rides are the latest implementation of the Ride United program, which seeks to reduce transportation barriers that prevent community members from accessing healthcare, getting quality jobs, completing education programs, and more. Transportation has proven to be a key issue for many individuals looking to obtain their vaccines.
In December 2020, Lyft announced its commitment to help provide access to rides to and from vaccine appointments alongside coalition partners, including United Way. Utilizing the Lyft network, participating local United Way and 211 teams can provide resources to eligible community members, ensuring they have access to transportation for their vaccination appointments. The Ride United Vaccine Access Campaign helps eligible people get the COVID-19 vaccine, even if they lack transportation.
Initial funding is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
More Information
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How to Schedule a Ride
Those who need a ride to get their vaccine should call United Way’s 211 Information and Referral Center (by dialing the numbers 2-1-1) to access eligible vaccine sites in their area.
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About 211
211 is a vital service of United Way of Central Alabama. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veteran services and childcare and family services. Individuals in need or who are looking for information for someone else can call 211 from a cell phone or landline or visit www.211.org for more contact options.
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About Lyft
Lyft was founded in 2012 and is one of the largest transportation networks in the United States and Canada. As the world shifts away from car ownership to transportation-as-a-service, Lyft is at the forefront of this massive societal change. Our transportation network brings together rideshare, bikes, scooters, car rentals and transit all in one app. We are singularly driven by our mission: to improve people’s lives with the world’s best transportation.