The new program aims to close the transportation and health care access gap in Dallas County.
The Heart of Iowa Regional Transportation Authority is one of five transportation agencies nationwide awarded the Health Connector Program pilot through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s ITS4US Deployment Program.
Health Connector is a platform designed to address the needs and challenges faced by diverse populations in Dallas County when accessing health care services.
“Ultimately, the goal is to remove barriers for people to access health care, and one of the top barriers cited across the country is transportation,” said Brooke Ramsey, business development manager for HIRTA.
Ramsey said the goal of the Connector Program is to provide access to health care options for all residents, with an emphasis on those with limited English proficiency, low-income residents, people with disabilities, seniors and veterans.
Travelers, medical staff and local health navigators can use the HIRTA On Demand app (available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play) or web portal to book appointments and transportation at the same time. There are also kiosks inside the main entrances of Dallas County Hospitals where rides can be booked.
One of HIRTA’s vehicles in the Health Connector program also has an infotainment system. Screens display photos, videos and audio information about Dallas County Hospitals, Dallas County Public Health and the Traveler Health Connector program. Ramsey said HIRTA plans to equip more vehicles with the infotainment system as the program expands in the coming months.
Built-in wayfinding apps and special QR codes installed in HIRTA vehicles and throughout Dallas County Hospital will help those who are visually impaired.
“This gives patients more independence within the building and provides comprehensive care,” said Tom Harmsen, marketing and foundation director for Dallas County Hospital. “Patients receive voice instructions on which direction to turn or how far they are from a particular area. Patients have peace of mind knowing they’re getting a safe and equitable care experience at DCH.”
HIRTA Executive Director Julia Castillo said one of the reasons Dallas County was chosen to pilot the Health Connector program is because HIRTA has a good relationship with Dallas County Hospital and the Dallas County Department of Public Health.
“We often hear stories of patients making appointments and not knowing how to get seen,” said Abigail Cihak with the Dallas County Health Department. “We’re excited that this project will help people get access to their doctor in a timely manner, in a very efficient and hopefully more stress-free way.”
She added that Dallas County Public Health’s Health Navigation Program will work closely with Health Connector, with health navigators helping area residents sign up for the new program and learn how to use the app to book rides.
Cihak said he hopes to expand the Health Connector program to other hospital partners in the Des Moines metropolitan area. Ramsey added that HIRTA is also looking to replicate the program across the seven-county region and statewide. The agency has already heard from transportation agencies in southwest Iowa and out of state.
For more information about the Health Connector program, visit www.ridehirta.com/its4us.