ODOT Funds Two New Reach Out Vans

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently awarded Netcare Corporation grant funding for the purchase of two new Reach Out Program vans. This grant will allow Netcare to replace the two current vans, one having 250,000 miles and the other 200,000, by the end of 2007. The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), Columbus Division of Police and Columbus Division of Fire each wrote letters supporting Netcare’s attempt.

Once the new vehicles are received, there are several modifications needed prior to use. These modifications include adding a bulkhead, removing the carpet and adding rubber flooring, adding plastic vinyl on all seats, installing amber lighting on the top of the vehicle, placing the Netcare Access logo and toll free Emergency Response Services number on the external side doors, and installing a radio device, provided by the Columbus Division of Fire. Each of the new vehicles are equipped with wheelchair ramps Current Reach Out van which will soon be replaced making them handicap accessible.

Netcare’s Reach Out Program is a mobile, intervention service in Franklin County. This service is designed to transport publicly intoxicated persons off the streets, out of the public or business establishments, to a place of safety and shelter. In addition, this service offers individuals education about resources available in the community. Reach Out workers are in the community twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, logging over 130,000 miles a year and transporting about 1,500 individuals a month. The current Reach Out vans are able to transport up to three (3) individuals at a time while protecting the confidentiality and safety of those served.

Reach Out workers make themselves visible in high-risk areas throughout the county where there are likely to be a heavy concentration of inebriates. Inebriated clients are generally transported to providers such as drug and alcohol treatment centers, Netcare’s crisis sites, men’s and women’s engagement centers, homeless shelters, community mental health centers, hospitals, Veteran’s Administration clinics or the client’s place of residence. Reach Out workers transport individuals to these programs since they have been designated Public Inebriate Units for Franklin County. Netcare’s Reach Out Program and staff have been recognized for their work, dedication and the services they offer to the Franklin County community. The Reach Out Program and staff have recently received awards from the Columbus Coalition for the Homeless, Capital Crossroads and The Columbus Division of Fire, the Columbus Division of Police and the Community Shelter Board.

Individuals who benefit from Reach Out’s services include:

• Persons who are intoxicated or seemingly under the influence.
• Inebriated persons who are considered at risk to themselves by such actions as walking in traffic, sleeping outside in unsafe conditions or weather, putting themselves in situations where they could be victims of crime or those who are incapacitated or unable to care for themselves.
• Persons who are classified as “at risk” in the community such as victims of crime due to an intoxicated state.
• Persons who are under the influence and receptive to Reach Out services.

The Reach Out workers are dispatched by Netcare’s Emergency Response Service (614) 276-CARE (2273) or (888) 276-CARE (2273), the Columbus Division of Police or the Columbus Division of Fire. Individuals, businesses and other community agencies may request Reach Out services at any time. Additional request for transportations may come directly from one of Netcare’s 24/7 crisis sites. Transports are prioritized on a case-by-case basis. The Reach Out program has a good rapport with individuals in the community and local business/organizations. Reach Out staff additionally participate in local advocacy groups related to the homeless populations and/or substance abusing individuals. In 2006, the Reach Out Program provided 14,644 transports. To learn more about the Reach Out Program or if you’d like to schedule a ride-along, call 278-0109.