Gwinnett gets grant to help seniors get to doctor appointments

Charlotte Nash (AJC File Photo)

Charlotte Nash (AJC File Photo)

Gwinnett County commissioners accepted Tuesday two grants aimed at helping local seniors and other individuals with disabilities get to and from medical appointments.

According to a news release from the county:

"For the fifth straight year, the Atlanta Regional Commission awarded federal grant funds to help support Gwinnett’s successful Get in Gear program. The $124,114 grant lets Gwinnett Senior Services help about four dozen transportation-challenged dialysis clients get to medical appointments, therapies and treatments.

The program requires clients to pay 25 percent of the total cost of a book of vouchers. They can then choose and negotiate costs with one of two dozen pre-approved vendors. About 93 percent of the clients are over 60 and together they average 1,242 one-way passenger trips of about 15 miles per trip each month.

Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services contributed $31,500 toward the required local match of $84,001."

More about Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services can be found at fogcss.com. For more informationo about the Get in Gear program, call 678-377-3019.