Local nursing group earns $6,000 AARP grant
Nurses Nextdoor, a local 501c3 nonprofit community nursing group, has been selected to receive a 2023 AARP Community Challenge grant.
It is one of only 310 grantees selected out of more than 3,600 applications from across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
With this quick-action grant, Nurses Nextdoor will improve transportation options for older residents in Sussex County by using a virtual on-demand, non-emergency medical transportation ride service. Family and friends who live nearby or far away can track the rider’s trip via a live map. The ride service platform is HIPAA compliant, and notification of the ride arrival can be sent in multiple languages via text message or on a landline.
“We are incredibly proud that AARP selected Nurses Nextdoor for this investment to make Sussex County more livable for residents of all ages,” said Bet Key Wong, MSN, RN, CNOR, project lead for NND’s 25 for 80 transportation project. “AARP is a nationwide leader in making communities more livable, and we are honored that they see the tangible value this project will bring to our area. On-demand NEMT has been used successfully by health systems, government agencies and insurance providers to improve access to care.”
Lack of available transportation has been identified by local healthcare organizations as one of the main barriers for older adults accessing care. According to a focus group conducted by the University of Delaware in 2017, transportation was a major concern for seniors, especially when they cannot drive in the event of a major illness or injury. Many live alone, and are away from families and friends.
Nurses Nextdoor will be providing 25 $100 ride vouchers to Sussex County residents age 50 and above to access medical or dental care. During Phase I of the program, ride vouchers are limited to residents ages 80 and above. For more information, go to nursesnextdoor.net/transportation, email 302nursesnextdoor@gmail.com or call 302-582-0072. Ride vouchers are available while funding lasts.
Nursing Nextdoor is seeking partnerships, especially with underserved and veteran groups, to work together on transportation options to improve access to care. In addition to seeking grants, the nursing group recently held fundraisers at Lewes Historical Society’s sea glass festival and summer craft festival.
