ULEM, City of Boston and Lyft partner in health access initiative

Program to provide rides to health-related activities for those 60 and older

The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts recently announced its Holistic Health Access Initiative, which will allow citizens 60 and older to access five free Lyft rides with the intention of using the ride for health and wellness-related errands and activities.

“ It’s an opportunity to address some of the concerns around health access for seniors in the city of Boston. It is a partnership between the city of Boston, the Urban League, and Lyft. I think given the concerns around health equity issues and the disparities and health outcomes in communities of color, we felt it would be important to increase access,” said Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq., president and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts.

Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts president and CEO announces the Holistic Health Access Initiative at BCYF Grove Hall Senior Center. PHOTO: THE CORNER 345

In a press conference, Mayor Michelle Wu referenced the non-profit organization as making Boston a “home for everyone” and praised the partnership between the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts and organizations like Lyft to ensure free rides are readily available.

“This initially came about because of the closure of the Walgreens pharmacy on Warren Street. In concerns around people getting to a new pharmacy,” said Hall. “In talking with the city and trying to figure out how to ameliorate the issues that were related to people getting to the pharmacy, it made sense that the people who have some of the greatest challenges, being seniors, would benefit from more than just being able to get to the pharmacy, but also other health-related activities.”

Hall said the free rides can be used for anything health- and wellness-related, from going to pick up a prescription from the pharmacy to going to the doctor’s office and even heading out to a local community or senior center to socialize.

Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts President & CEO Rahsaan D. Hall, Esq. discusses the new program with a member of the community.

The organization has not attempted the pilot program in the past, however, its immediate reception by the public, especially the demographic it is tailored to serve, has been promising. Since the initiative’s unveiling last week, senior citizens have utilized over 16 free rides.

The positive reactions to the Urban League’s pilot program have sparked thought about potentially carrying the program over into the spring. The initial reason for the initiative being to help senior citizens move around during the colder months raised questions about transportation for the remainder of the year.

“It’s a pilot, so we’re going see how well it goes and see how many people take advantage of it and see if we can get additional funding to continue the program,” Hall said.

“I think the current funding should carry us through the spring, and then we’ll reevaluate it. It would be ideal if this could be an ongoing program that is provided, or a service that is provided, but even if we can’t do it year-round, if we could do it during the winter months, that would be really helpful, I think.”

For more information visit boston.gov/holistic-health-access-initiative