Ohio project helps older adults access medical care beyond county lines

Farah Siddiqi

A new AARP grant is helping older adults in Marion County access medical care they cannot find close to home.

The $15,000 award is part of AARP's largest-ever investment in rural livability projects across the nation, with 11 projects awarded in Ohio. The Marion County Council on Aging will use the funding to support its out-of-county transportation program for older adults, launched last year with temporary funding and continued through local senior levy dollars.

Cassie Gregory, director of the Marion County Council on Aging, said it is a vital program in a community with limited local options for specialty care.

"This service is always donation only," Gregory pointed out. "A lot of older adults aren't driving. Adult children are not only taking care and trying to help their parents, but they're still working and also parenting their kids. This just helps support our community. It is getting those seniors to their very important doctor's appointments."

Marion's public transportation is limited to city routes and a small perimeter. The service provides accessible vehicles for trips to specialists in nearby counties such as Franklin.

Gregory noted the grant is a boost not just for transportation but for regional collaboration. It builds on a recent summit which brought together nonprofits, businesses and government leaders to expand services for older residents.

"Being able to also connect with AARP is just the continued momentum so that we can continue to build more services for our seniors," Gregory emphasized. "Not only in our community but in Ohio."

The AARP Community Challenge awarded more than $4.2 million this year to 383 projects nationwide, nearly half in rural communities. Other Ohio grants include digital access, walkability audits and disaster prep services for older adults.