Mayor John G. Ducey and the Township Council thank Senator Corey Booker and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) for securing $250,000 in Federal funding that will be used to launch a dialysis transportation service for seniors. The funding is included in the 2023 government funding bills that were recently passed by Congress.
“We are grateful to Senator Booker and Congressman Kim for their securing this vitally important funding for a dialysis transportation service,” said Mayor Ducey. “The Senator’s and Congressman’s dedication to their constituents and ensuring that the needs of our citizens are met is truly appreciated. Thank you, Senator Booker and Congressman Kim.”
The $250,000 will be used to begin a service for older residents that will provide round-trip transportation for seniors in need of dialysis. Once the funding is approved, the township expects to purchase two new Senior Shuttles dedicated to the program and hire drivers and medical assistants for the buses. The assistants will help patients with mobility issues getting on and off the shuttles.
Currently, the Senior Shuttle Program cannot accommodate dialysis patients due to the unique scheduling needs of dialysis appointments.
“With nearly a quarter of Brick’s residents aged 60 and over, the need for services is significant. Many of these residents need dialysis treatments to maintain their health but lack the ability to travel to appointments on their own,” said Zulma Soto, Director of Brick Township Senior Services. “This dialysis transportation service will allow those residents to receive their life-sustaining treatments.”
The dialysis transportation program will be administered by the Brick Township Senior Services office. “We have one of the best senior services programs in New Jersey,” said Council President Heather deJong. “Our Senior Services office provides important services and enriching programs that help our older residents live active, fulfilling lives. Their services are available to anyone over the age of 60 as well as caregivers. We encourage anyone who would like to learn more about Senior Services and what they offer to contact them.”
Mayor Ducey and the Township Council expect this new service to begin sometime in 2023.
The Brick Senior Shuttle is an initiative of Mayor Ducey and the Township Council that began in 2019. The Senior Shuttle provides free transportation to the Senior Center, shopping areas and more to residents ages 60 and over. The Township acquired two wheelchair-accessible buses for the program. One was acquired through a grant and the other purchased by the Township.
The service is available to all residents ages 60 and over. Anyone wishing to utilize the Senior Shuttle should call Senior Services at 732-920-8686 at least two days in advance of an appointment. Seating is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mayor Ducey further thanks Congressman Kim for his service to Brick Township over the past four years. Due to 2022’s Congressional redistricting in New Jersey, Brick Township will now be part of the 4th Congressional district which is represented by Congressman Chris Smith. “Congressman Kim has done an exemplary job representing the 3rd Congressional District which included Brick Township. I thank him for all he has done for our residents, particularly our senior citizens and veterans, over the past four years.”