The Allen Parish Council on Aging recently purchased two new vans for its rural transportation program through a grant and monies raised by the agency.
Patricia Jones, executive director of the parish’s COA, said last year the agency applied for grants to replace two vans in its transportation fleet. She said the agency is required to put up 15 percent of the funds, and the state’s Department of Transportation (DOTD) and Federal Trade Administration (FTA) supply the rest of the funds through its 5311 public transportation funds. She said they tried to secure some of the money from the parish but were not successful. She said these vans are cab and bus transportation as part of the rural transportation system. COA has been providing public transportation services and non-emergency medical rides for about 18 years.
The agency has several mini vans for small groups and larger vehicles that can transport 10 to 16 people on a trip.
Sally Peart, transit dispatcher, explained that anyone can use the Council on Aging’s transportation services. Persons with Medicaid call a number for a free ride. Persons with Medicare call a number and utilize the services for a cash fee that varies. The public can use the services for a fee. Most of the transportation is used for doctor appointments. They all begin in Allen Parish and can take patrons to all parts of the state.
Peart said persons with Medicaid and Medicare must call the number on their card for transportation to doctor appointments at least 48 hours in advance. Cash paying persons must call at least 24 hours in advance.
Peart said she checks four portals daily to check on possible patrons and then creates a schedule for pickup. She said “Miss Pat” uses Fridays for grocery, post office and bank visits to help elderly and other residents. She said cash paying patrons can call that morning. She also plans a shopping trip outside the parish for persons needing something they cannot find in the parish.
“She’s just helpful,” said Peart, who actually completed the paperwork for the grant to purchase the two vans which had high mileage.
All of COA services can be utilized by those 60 and older.
You can reach them at allencouncil@bellsouth.net. They can be reached at 318-335-3195 to learn more about their services which include meals, legal aid, sitter service, nutrition education, outreach, transportation, wellness and a senior center.
Jones is hoping the senior centers across the parish will be reopening soon as COVID-19 restrictions lessen.
