An area shuttle service is making significant strides in alleviating Freeborn County's healthcare woes. By providing free rides to local hospitals, SMART Transit aims to address a long-standing issue faced by residents. With a $10,000 grant, the service is expanding its medical ride offerings, particularly for those aged 55 and above.

"SMART Transit: Revolutionizing Healthcare Transportation in Freeborn County"

Expanding Medical Ride Services

SMART Transit, already operational in Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna, is set to enhance its medical shuttle service in Freeborn County next year. This comes as a result of the generous grant, which will enable residents to access Mayo Clinic hospitals in Albert Lea and Austin without incurring any costs. The initiative addresses a critical problem where medical services in the region have been shrinking over the years.For instance, Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea announced service cuts in 2017, prompting residents to travel to Austin, just 20 minutes east. This led to increased travel burdens for those in need of hospital care. However, with the expansion of SMART Transit's services, local residents now have a convenient and free option to reach the necessary healthcare facilities.

Meeting the Needs of Seniors

SMART has had a successful free ride program for seniors in Mower County for several years, thanks to Mayo Clinic grants. This experience has shown the importance of providing transportation support to the elderly. In Freeborn County, the new service is specifically targeted at residents aged 55 and up, recognizing their increased need for medical transportation.The grant from the Naeve Health Care Foundation has made this expansion possible. The foundation, named after the former hospital that served Albert Lea residents since 1911, has a history of donating over $4 million for local healthcare issues. By partnering with SMART Transit, they are addressing a crucial need in the community.

Addressing a Growing Need

Freeborn County is not the only area struggling with healthcare access. Across Minnesota, hospitals have faced challenges due to population shifts to metropolitan areas. Many smaller hospitals have either joined larger systems or closed altogether. In rural communities like Freeborn County, the need for transportation to doctor's appointments is growing as the senior population expands.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Minnesota's senior population (age 65 and older) increased from about 680,000 residents in 2010 to almost 950,000 in 2020. Not all seniors have their own transportation, making services like SMART Transit even more vital. By offering free rides, SMART Transit is helping to ensure that seniors can access the healthcare they need without facing financial or logistical barriers.