At Pacific Transit, we are still fighting to keep the Veterans Connect program alive, which helps veterans get to their vital medical appointments. The issues are many. Some of the main challenges we face in rural Pacific County:

• Pacific County lacks both medical and specialist services required;

• By some reckonings, Pacific County is the third poorest county in the state;

• There are no federal grant programs for transporting veterans to medical appointments;

• The Veterans Administration is unable to book medical appointments in groups of two or more;

• The Veterans Administration states their computers do not interact together. This creates a much higher cost per veteran per trip ratio;

• The Veterans Administration does not pay Pacific Transit to transport veterans;

• Several veterans are unable to drive themselves long distances for their appointments;

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) services in Astoria are on a volunteer basis only and trips get canceled;

• Veterans who cancel appointments may have to wait a couple of months for a new appointment;

• Regular medical transports charge large fees that veterans cannot afford to pay;

• Some veterans need caretakers, spouses or family members to accompany them for support;

• Pacific Transit does not charge the veteran or their support members.

Funding request

Pacific Transit has identified a critical need for medical transportation for veterans in Pacific County. Many veterans in the county require medical transportation to their appointments since they cannot drive and often require support from a caretaker, spouse or family member.

Pull Quote

Pacific Transit has identified a critical need for medical transportation for veterans in Pacific County. Many veterans in the county require medical transportation to their appointments since they cannot drive and often require support from a caretaker, spouse, or family members.

Unfortunately, the Long Beach dialysis center and the one in Tillamook, Oregon, have closed. Veterans now need transportation for dialysis and many other medical appointments to Aberdeen, Vancouver, Chehalis, American Lake, Olympia, Centralia, Astoria, Camp Rilea in Warrenton, Gearheart and Seaside. This service is free to the veteran, caretaker, spouse or family member.

The lack of transportation has already resulted in the unfortunate passing of one veteran who could not attend his dialysis treatment.

Recognizing the pressing need, Pacific Transit initiated the Veterans Connect program to ensure our veterans can access their vital medical treatment. This service has been a resounding success, providing efficient and reliable available medical transportation.

The funding for this program is currently being sourced from the existing transit funds, underscoring the criticality of the needs of our community. We have already invested $150,000 in four vans that are ADA equipped, as well as smaller passenger vans.

As a transit organization, we have reliable union drivers daily. Our initial operator costs have reached $330,000, with operating, fuel expenses and maintenance.

We need $250,000 for each of the next two years (2025-26), for a total of $500,000. The program costs per year include driver-operator, maintenance and fuel costs. We anticipate a minimum 4% increase in each of these two years. We need this funding as soon as possible.

Our funding request for 2025 and 2026, amounting to $250,000 per year, totaling $500,000, is not just a financial ask. It is a plea to ensure the continuity of these critical veterans’ need to obtain the much-needed medical services.

We must care for those who have selflessly ensured our freedom and way of life. Your support and vote for this funding are not just appreciated, but they are also integral to the success of this endeavor. We owe it to our veterans!