Page 27 - SWTDD ANNUAL REPORT

ElderServe of Claiborne County/ Claiborne SMiles VAT
Claiborne County SMiles program provided its first ride in June of 2016. The program was started because of the need to assist senior citizens with transportation to doctors and other appointments in Claiborne County. At the time, the Claiborne County Office On Aging Director, Denise West, realized there was a tremendous need in the county for this type of service and made it happen. Tamara Austin was hired
to be the program administrator and, together, they launched the Claiborne SMiles program.
Claiborne County is a very rural county with many low income seniors. Due to location, the majority of the program’s rides are outside the county; most rides are to Knox County and Hamblen County in Tennessee and to Bell County in Kentucky. This program has helped many to remain independent and to receive necessary medical attention.
This legacy program is striving to grow, signing on more volunteers who are willing to make these trips. As the volunteer numbers grow, so can the number of riders served.
Claiborne County SMiles Rider Spotlight
Augusta Bailey uses My Ride – Claiborne County SMiles. Without it, she says she would not be able to go to see her specialist at UT.
When asked how she feels about the program she said, “Having someone available to take you to the doctor in Knoxville is a godsend. I’m so thankful that my sister told me about Claiborne County SMiles.”
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