Immediate Release:                                                             Contact: Alan Gershuny

December 18, 2006                                                                        (516) 869-7794

Town of North Hempstead Offers Seniors Taxi Rides For Medical Appointments

New Hyde Park, NY – North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Town Councilwoman Lee Seeman announced today that North New Hyde Park residents who reside in the Project Independence area, age 60 and over, are eligible for free cab service for weekly medical appointments.

“Town of North Hempstead is delighted to announce yet another service for seniors residing in the Project Independence area of New Hyde Park,” said Supervisor Kaiman. “This innovative program, which allows seniors to receive vital services in their homes, has now taken another important step forward by helping seniors make their medical appointments with no extra transportation cost. This is a pilot program and we are hopeful of providing this service throughout the Town over the next several years.”

The free cab rides are being made possible by a special grant from the North Shore LIJ Health Systems, staff support from the Town’s Division of Community Services and F.E.G.S. Project Independence has contracted with the Checker Cab Company of Long Island, who already provides free rides to seniors for a few hours each week, to provide this service.

Seniors who live in the Project Independence portion of New Hyde Park should call Community Service at (516) 869-7793 with the date, time and location of their appointment. Seniors should attempt to give Community Service as much lead time as possible. For the return trip, the medical office will be asked to phone the cab company at the appropriate time. All fares will be paid for by Community Service, but users of the program are encouraged to tip their drivers.

Although Project Independence residents can utilize the service for one round trip each week, exceptions can be made for certain medical conditions.

“We are delighted that the Town is providing this service” said Hazel Kaufman-Pachtman of the program’s Advisory Committee. “Of all the obstacles we face to remain in our homes and familiar communities as we age, transportation-- especially to and from medical appointments--is one of the toughest to overcome. Our committee highlighted the issue and the Town responded.”