Action Area : Transportation and Other Logistics
Measuring over 2,000 square miles , much of which is rural , the expanse of the Polk County area can make it difficult for residents – especially those without personal vehicles – to conveniently travel to obtain the care they need .
Logistics frequently refer to a patient ’ s ability to attain required services , including transportation , financial capability , home support , continuity of care , and other issues . Many respondents indicated that they needed travel unreasonably long distances to receive care or found it very difficult to schedule doctor ’ s appointments around bus schedules . It was reported that use of limited public transportation ( especially in more rural parts of the county ) this could mean that someone can spend almost an entire day traveling to , attending , and traveling from an appointment , with much of the time being spent waiting for the bus or other transportation . This is also the case with individuals required to access the judicial system .
Both availability and affordability of housing were addressed , and many cited the need for more places for certain populations , such as people experiencing homelessness who also suffer from substance misuse , and victims of domestic violence .
A large percentage of those interviewed indicated that financial barriers are commonplace .
• “ Transportation is a huge issue . We don ’ t have a good bus system .”
• “ Sometimes people have to choose between a halfway house and employment .”
• “ In Fort Mead or Frostproof or Lake Wales or other rural communities , families don ' t have gas money to get to providers .”
• “ A few more urban spots that have transportation , but Frostproof , Avon Park , Eloise have to rely on Medicaid transportation but it ' s not always convenient . Someone may have an 11 am appointment but they get picked up at 8am , so it ' s all day .”
• “ Transportation used to be an issue , then they funded behavioral health centers with transportation money so they ' re Ubering people now .”
Examples of Potential Interventions for Stage 3
• Expand public transportation capacity – especially in non-Lakeland portions of the County .
• Expand use of ride sharing resources such as Uber and Lyft .
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