This is a transportation service for adults and youth with mental health and/or substance use disorders who experience travel related challenges.  The service will help eligible people to consistently access and engage in services and supports essential for their symptom management, recovery, and community living. 

 To address transportation barriers to participation in eligible services located within Oswego County, the Division of Mental Hygiene contracts with Catholic Charities to provide a safe, timely, reliable, and flexible transportation option for individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders.

 Eligible services and locations include treatment and support/resource services related to the management of a mental health or substance use disorder.  Some examples of eligible services are listed below.

• Community Agency/Service Locations
• Department of Social Services for management of benefits
• Food pantries
• Intensive Crisis Stabilization Center, Onondaga County (one way, driver availability)
• Intervention Court, Drug Treatment Court, court related drug testing
• Mental Health Clinic appointments
• Mental Health Counseling and Treatment appointments
• Open Access hours/locations for SUD or MH Treatment
• Parent participation at school (Head Start – Grade 12)
• Planned Residential Respite Services (crisis respite, if driver is available)
• Prescription pick up at pharmacy
• Primary Care appointment
• Recovery, Clubhouse & Senior Center
• Social Security Disability Determination Appointments (Syracuse)
• SPOA meeting
• Substance Abuse Clinic Appointments (if dually diagnosed with both MH & Sub Use Disorders) 
• Substance Abuse Services/Support Appointments
• Support and/or Teaching Groups

The Oswego County Single Point of Access (SPOA) 963-5361 will process referrals for this service and screen for eligibility.  Approved referrals will be forwarded to Catholic Charities.  The SPOA coordinator will reassess for eligibility on an annual basis.   Once approved, requests for service will be coordinated directly between the approved person and Catholic Charities.  Individuals will receive written notification of their approval and instructions for requesting rides.

 Additional Information:

• Advance scheduling is preferred but will not be mandatory.  Late notice requests will be scheduled if drivers are available.
• The Caregiver of an approved child may utilize this service to get to a child-related service meeting/appointment even if the child is not present.
• Catholic Charities drivers will use their personal vehicles to provide door to door transportation.
• Dispatcher will also provide a confirmation/reminder notice.
• Documentation of service/treatment appointments may be requested
• Driver schedules will be coordinated by a dispatcher/customer service staff person at Catholic Charities.
• Minors (under age 18) must be accompanied by a guardian during transport.  If child is required by NYS Law to be in a car/booster seat, care giver must provide and install the seat.
• Rides will generally be available Mon – Friday between 8:00AM – 4:00PM (excluding holidays).  Evening hours 4:00PM – 7:00 PM, will be available on a limited basis.
• Shared rides (up to 5 passengers) may occur to be able to serve a maximum number of people
• There will be no charge to the SPOA - approved person for this service.
• This service is not intended to replace the use of Medicaid Transportation or Public Transportation for individuals able to use them effectively.
• Wheelchair transportation is not available.  The individual must be able to enter/exit vehicle unassisted.