Purpose of the Transportation Program
The Medical Transportation service provides transportation to doctors' offices, clinics, dentists and other medical services. Transportation is provided mostly by drivers of retirement age, but volunteers over the age of 21 are welcome.
Who Can Use This Service
Medical Transportation is available to persons 55 years of age or older who are ambulatory but unable to drive themselves and with no ready access to transportation by family and friends.
Medical Transportation is available in a target area which is bordered by Independence Boulevard on the North, South Boulevard on the West, a half mile below the circumference defined by Tyvola, Fairview, Sardis and Rama Roads on the South, and Monroe Road on the East. In addition, members of sponsoring congregations who live outside the target area can be served on a driver available basis.
How Do You Get This Service
Contact The Shepherd's Center office at least three days before the date of your appointment, 704.365.1995 or plampel@shepherdscharlotte.org. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm, weekdays.
We recommend a voluntary $10.00 donation to the Center for each round trip. It is necessary to make a separate call to the office for each ride.
The rider may be accompanied by a spouse, relative or aide.
How To Become A Driver
One trip a month by a volunteer driver can make an important difference in the life of an older person.
As a volunteer driver you should be willing to serve for one year. You must have valid North Carolina driver’s license and the insurance required to drive in this state. A Chauffeur's license is not required.
You can also provide an extra service by letting riders know about other programs and services of The Center.
Driver Guidelines
- Return your completed Volunteer Driver Information Form.
- When you accept an assignment: record the name, address, phone number, destination, date and time of the ride.
- Call the rider as soon as possible to let them know you will take them to their appointment.
- On the day of the appointment: Drive the rider to their destination, wait with them or return at an agreed-upon time.
- Receive a voluntary donation (suggested amount $10.00) from the rider and offer a signed receipt. Turn in donations and receipt copies to The Center periodically.
- The Center purchases Excess Auto Liability Insurance for drivers. This insurance extends the limits of the driver's own policy.
- Handicapped License Tags are available to Volunteer Drivers.
Ask about signing out a tag. - Notice to Doctor: Drivers will receive blue cards they should leave at doctors offices, letting doctors know that a Center volunteer brought a patient to their office.