What’s New? HealthFirst To Offer Patients Free Rides With New Van

The Health First Family Care Center in Fall River has just had their wish come true in the form of a brand new Ford Transit van that will provide free patient transportation to and from physician and dental appointments at HealthFirst.

According to The Herald News, “the van will operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. When patients make an appointment, they can also set up transportation. The van will offer service for same day appointments when space allows.”

Dr. Khalid Anila, a dentist at Health stated, “I think it’s a great, great help for our patients.”

Anila said that transportation has been a problem for a lot of patients who have to “look to others for a ride.”

The van can hold up to seven passengers and is wheelchair accessible.

Also, the van will be equipped with car seats for babies and children.  All van drivers will be equipped with a cell phone to communicate with HealthFirst regarding pick-ups.  The driver can also call patients if he will be arriving later than usual.

The new van was purchased with a $41,000 grant from MassDevelopment, which is the state’s economic development and finance agency.

With additional reporting by Sal Lopez