CHARLESTON — A new campaign in West Virginia was implemented to end transportation barriers for those seeking treatment for substance use disorder.
The “Get Paid to Pay it Forward” campaign addresses the issue, particularly in rural areas in the Mountain State, with limited public transportation options causing delays in treatment.
“In a state without a lot of public transit, this program is crucial,” said Sheila Moran, First Choice Services director of communications and marketing. “We know there has always been an informal network of folks in recovery who provide rides to treatment. Many people see this as their way of giving back, but with car maintenance and gas, this can be a burden. This program can help defray those costs.”
First Choice Services partnered with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ Office of Drug Control Policy, Jobs & Hope West Virginia, and Modivcare, the state’s Medicaid transportation vendor for the new program.
The campaign has encouraged individuals in recovery to sign up as contract workers for Modivcare and offer rides. Drivers — at least 21 years old and an owner of an insured vehicle — would be paid per mile and can choose which assignments they want.