Photo provided by Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly

Ontonagon – Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly (LBFE) is now offering free non-emergency medical transportation for older adults in the Ontonagon area. Services are available to individuals aged 60 and over, offering vital support to help them stay connected and access essential care. The service follows the closure of Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital in April 2024 and offers transportation to both local and regional appointments.

The LBFE Non-Emergent Medical Transportation program, along with its Ontonagon Neighbor Network “Drive to Care” volunteer recruitment initiative, helps older adults get to and from medical appointments safely and comfortably. This program expands LBFE’s current services in the area, offering holiday meals during the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays over the last 38 years in partnership with area churches, as well as its friendly visiting and social activities with isolated older adults. 

“Many seniors in our community face barriers to transportation and experience social isolation,” said Carol A. Korpela, LBFE executive director. “We’ve had wonderful results from our medical transportation  ‘Drive to Care’ programs in other communities and are excited to be able to expand these services to Ontonagon residents in addition to our holiday meal and visiting programs in the area.”

LBFE provides services in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Marquette, and Ontonagon counties as part of the Non-Emergent Medical Transportation program, “Drive to Care” initiative, providing an estimated 950 rides annually to U.P. residents. At this time, LBFE estimates that an additional 10 volunteers are needed to help those in need of non-emergency medical transportation and friendly visiting in the Ontonagon area. Volunteer opportunities vary based on volunteer time and community need. 

“There are so many in our community who would benefit from improved access to transportation and visits from others in our community. This program is here to help – and we need our Ontonagon neighbors to work together to help some of our most vulnerable community members get the care they need,” said Jill Rady, volunteer engagement consultant. “We encourage seniors to call and inquire about the program, and for those with a little extra time to volunteer to help ensure this program is successful.” 

Individuals interested in volunteering must submit an application form, receive a background check, and complete a free orientation.  Mileage reimbursements are available to volunteers (using their vehicles) who experience a financial barrier to volunteering. Mileage reimbursements not used by volunteers go back into the fund to help recruit those who are unable to volunteer without reimbursement. There is no cost to older adults for utilizing medical transportation services. 

Funding in the Ontonagon area is made possible through Upper Peninsula Health Care Solutions. To learn more about medical transportation services or volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.lbfemichigan.org/ontonagon or call (906) 482-6944.