Uber drivers needed for Mississippi State Department of Health transportation service

PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – The Mississippi State Department of Health is lending a hand to patients in need of transportation.

The department is offering free rides to county health departments for medical services or WIC appointments.

“As long as you have an appointment with the health department or have a prescription you received from the health department and need to go to the pharmacy to get it, there are no limits,” Forrest County Community Health Director Brandi Sanford said.

The MSDH has partnered with Uber rideshare service to pick people up.

Adults over 18 must schedule rides at least 30 minutes before an appointment. Up to four passengers are allowed.

“We do understand parents need to bring children.” MSDH Director of Health Equity Nikki Johnson said. “Individuals may have to bring caretakers, Our families may have to accompany patients to the clinic.”

So far, 892 rides have been scheduled across the state since the program opened.

Sanford said 413 of those rides were scheduled in Forrest County alone, mainly University of Southern Mississippi students.

“College students are really embracing this program,” said Sanford. “So, we want to get the word out around the state and other areas around here also.”

Johnson added that the MSDH needs more drivers to come on board.

That way, they can expand the program into more rural areas, especially in those areas where we see no availability of drivers,” Johnson said. “So, we have created a campaign encouraging individuals to become an Uber driver.”

Patients can schedule a ride in-person at their local health department or over the phone at (601) 206-1050.

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