Local Non-Profit Organization Strikes Partnership with Rideshare Company to Help Vaccinate Vulnerable Populations
United Way of Greater Union County is proud to announce a vital partnership with Uber to provide 5,000 free rides to local vaccination sites for residents of Union County. The rides provided by Uber compliment a new vaccine outreach and administration program that the United Way of Greater Union County, in partnership with the RWJ Foundation, and the Union County Board of County Commissioners have undertaken to increase access to vaccines. This donation will help vulnerable constituents without access to transportation get vaccinated. Participants will be given a promotional code giving them up to $25 to and from vaccine sites for both required doses.
Senator Joe Cryan spearheaded the partnership between the United Way of Greater Union County and Uber after learning of the need to provide door-to-do transportation for vaccine appointments. Free door-to-door transportation is expected to increase the rate and number of vulnerable residents who become fully vaccinated.
“Access to vaccines is imperative in our battle against COVID-19, particularly in vulnerable communities,” said James Horne, Jr. President and CEO of United Way of Greater Union County. “By offering free rides to the vaccination sites we are aiding the State’s vaccination efforts and protecting the communities that have been ravaged by the pandemic.”
“Many communities in Union County are still reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Joe Cryan. “Working closely with our community leaders to identify our friends, family, and neighbors who haven’t yet been able to receive a vaccination and providing them with free door-to-door transportation will remove some of the hurdles towards becoming vaccinated. This program will save lives and help our communities defeat this virus quicker. This is a great example of how our community non-profits, the private sector, and elected officials can work together to achieve real results for the people of Union County.”
“This initiative will help Union County residents without access to transportation get the vaccines they need,” said Uberspokesperson Alix Anfang. “We are proud to be working with Senator Cryan and an excellent organization like United Way of Greater Union County with a track record of helping people in need and we look forward to helping these residents get the protection they deserve.”
“Union County’s free vaccine sites and mobile units have partnered with community organizations to reach out, make calls, and literally knock-on doors to make sure that every resident has access to a COVID-19 vaccine, and the free Uber rides will make a significant contribution to this effort,” said Union County Board of Commissioners Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “As a reminder, any Union County resident can visit ucnj.org/covid19 to book a vaccine appointment online or call the Union County Vaccine Call Center at 908-613-7829.”
United Way of Greater Union County will be coordinating with local governments and other organizations to coordinate the Uber rides. To request assistance please can call (908) 353-7171 ext.115 and leave your name and phone number and a United Way staff member will contact you.
For more information about UWGUC visit, www.uwguc.org