• Skip to main content
Facebook Social icon (opens in a new window)
Twitter Social icon (opens in a new window)
Instagram Social icon (opens in a new window)
YouTube Social icon (opens in a new window)
phone 512.978.8000
  • Español

Central Health

  • For MAP Members
  • For Providers
  • Contact
  • Careers & Culture
512.978.8000
  • Español
Central Health Home Icon
Search Icon
  • Get Health Coverage
    • GET HEALTH COVERAGE

      • Central Health Coverage Programs
      • Sendero Health Plans
      • Health Insurance Marketplace Information
  • Get Healthcare
    • GET HEALTHCARE

      • Clinical Services
      • Health & Wellness
      • Locations
      • CommUnityCare Health Centers
  • About Us
    • ABOUT US

      • About Us
      • Board of Managers
      • Executive Leadership
      • Finance
        • FY 2024 Budget Process
      • Purchasing & Procurement
  • Get Involved
    • Get Involved

      • Get Involved
      • Community Health Champions
      • Health Equity Policy Council
      • Partner With Us
  • News
    • NEWS

      • Newsroom
      • Library
Home > News > Featured > Central Health Offering Patients Free Lyfts to Medical Appointments

Central Health Offering Patients Free Lyfts to Medical Appointments

January 21, 2019

(Austin) – Addressing one of the biggest barriers to accessing health care, Central Health is offering patients free Lyft rides to and from the Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center.

The program is offered through a partnership among Central Health-funded CommUnityCare Health Centers , United Way for Greater Austin and Lyft.

Central Health is allocating $15,000 to fund Lyft rides beginning now and running through at least April 30.

CommUnityCare patients can book a Lyft ride by calling the 2-1-1 United Way Navigation Center, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center front desk staff can also book Lyft rides for patients and visitors lacking transportation.

“A lack of reliable transportation can prevent patients from accessing essential services such as primary care, behavioral health care, pharmaceuticals and social services,” said Mike Geeslin, Central Health President & CEO. “The issue is exacerbated when access to public transit is difficult or unavailable. “

According to Central Health’s 2017 Demographic Report, more than 26,805 Travis County households lack access to a vehicle. Thousands of these families live in East Travis County, outside the Capital Metro service boundary, or in areas with infrequent service.

“We believe using Lyft’s rideshare infrastructure and concierge booking platform provides the best opportunity to continue providing transportation services at Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center,” said Elizabeth Marrero, Director of Programs at Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center. “The service is easy to use, and allows staff to manage multiple rides and book transportation in advance.”

A previous pilot program started in July 2018 provided shuttle services for residents living in East Travis County to medical and non-clinical appointments at the Central Health Southeast Health & Wellness Center. Before expiring Dec. 31, the pilot provided 231 rides.

Facebook Social icon (opens in a new window) Twitter Social icon (opens in a new window) Instagram Social icon (opens in a new window) YouTube Social icon (opens in a new window)

Notice: The Travis County Healthcare District d/b/a Central Health adopted a tax rate that will raise more taxes for maintenance and operations than last year’s tax rate. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 6.0 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $6.18 (six dollars and eighteen cents).

Questions about MAP or MAP Basic:

512-978-8130

CommUnityCare:

512-978-9015

Sendero Health Plans:

877-800-5722

Join Our Team

Submit a Public Information Request

1111 East Cesar Chavez St.
Austin, TX 78702
512-978-8000

Copyright © 2023 Central Health. All rights reserved.

NOTICE: THE TRAVIS COUNTY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT D/B/A CENTRAL HEALTH ADOPTED A TAX RATE THAT WILL RAISE MORE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS THAN LAST YEAR’S TAX RATE. THE TAX RATE WILL EFFECTIVELY BE RAISED BY 6.0 PERCENT AND WILL RAISE TAXES FOR MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ON A $100,000 HOME BY APPROXIMATELY $6.18 (SIX DOLLARS AND EIGHTTEEN CENTS).

Copyright © 2022 Central Health. All Rights Reserved.