Access to public transportation is an issue that has plagued our community for many years. Many people with substance use disorders or other behavioral health disorders may not seek treatment due to lack of transportation. According to National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) statistics compiled over a 12-month period, 21.6 million Americans aged 12 or older needed treatment for drug and/or alcohol abuse but, alarmingly, only 2.3 million received care. The simple lack of rides to the doctors offices, ambulatory care centers or other places for treatment has created a barrier for millions in need of lifesaving care. About 10 percent of adults who needed and tried unsuccessfully to get treatment reported transportation as a reason for not getting treatment (SAMSHA).

In a recent survey of people in recovery in Pickens County, transportation was listed as a roadblock to recovery. Travel time to substance use disorder (SUD) treatment may have serious implications for treatment and recovery. Research shows that shorter travel distances are associated with longer stays in treatment programs and greater completion rates. Additionally, people who need to seek care may not have a driver's license or may not be able to transport themselves to treatment. Transportation services may help support many SUD treatment programs. A donation of only $15 can provide an Uber ride to and from treatment for one individual.