(Photo Provided) From left, Carla Westfall and Charlene Villers transport Marcia Shemelia, their first rider, to an appointment in the new wheelchair-accessible RSVP van.

Retired Senior Volunteer Program adds wheelchair-accessible van for long-distance medical transportation.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program, a part of AmeriCorps Seniors, has added a wheelchair-accessible van to improve transportation for Washington County residents 55 and older, the agency announced Monday.

The new vehicle will be used by Senior Wheels volunteers to provide rides to medical appointments, with a focus on out-of-county, long-distance trips that help meet specialized transportation needs.

Washington County residents 55 and older can schedule rides to medical appointments by contacting RSVP at 740-373-3107. To ensure safety and support, riders are required to have a caregiver accompany them during their trip.

The program is already making a difference. Marcia Shemelia was the first rider to use the wheelchair-accessible van.

“I’d give this program an A+,” Shemelia said. “It’s incredibly frustrating trying to get a ride while using a wheelchair. I never imagined I’d be in this position, and this support truly matters.”

Carla Westfall, director of AmeriCorps Seniors, cited the importance of the program’s expansion.

“Senior Wheels was created to fill a critical gap in the community for older adults,” Westfall said. “Purchasing this ADA-accessible van has helped us expand services for older adults needing long-distance transportation, ensuring they can get to essential appointments.”

Volunteers play a vital role in the success of the Senior Wheels program by helping individuals get to their medical appointments safely and reliably. RSVP is especially in need of volunteers who are able to assist passengers using wheelchairs, including safely pushing and supporting a wheelchair when needed.

Volunteers interested in driving the accessible vehicle for out-of-county, long-distance trips will be required to complete additional training to operate the vehicle and assist passengers safely.

RSVP also is seeking local volunteer drivers to provide in-county transportation, helping ensure older adults have access to essential services close to home. This effort is further supported through collaboration with local mobility manager Julia Hinzman of Buckeye Hills Regional Council to strengthen transportation options and coordination across Washington County.

RSVP is a volunteer program for adults age 55 and older that connects individuals with meaningful opportunities to serve their communities while supporting fellow residents through volunteer-driven services. Through programs like Senior Wheels, RSVP helps meet local needs and improve access to essential care and support. To learn more about Buckeye Hills Regional Council, go to www.buckeyehills.org, call 740-374-9436 or 1-800-331-2644 (toll-free), or email info@buckeyehills.org.

Buckeye Hills Regional Council represents governments in Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington counties and connects communities with local, state and federal resources through its aging and health, home care, community development and planning divisions.