HIRTA is proud to announce its collaboration with Dallas County Hospital as part of the Health Connector initiative, supported through the U.S. Department of Transportation's ITS4US Deployment Program, aimed at enhancing healthcare access for underserved communities. Through this partnership, HIRTA and Dallas County Hospital are working together to integrate appointment scheduling with transportation services, ensuring equitable access to healthcare options for all residents, particularly people with disabilities, older adults, veterans, those who are low income, and those with limited English proficiency.

Part of the collaboration is the installation of a dedicated kiosk within Dallas County Hospital, providing individuals with a convenient, accessible platform to book Health Connector trips. Eligible individuals can use the HIRTA On Demand app or the web portal to schedule their trips, with the option of accessing the kiosk located in the hospital for added convenience.

In addition to the streamlined booking process, HIRTA and Dallas County Hospital are implementing NaviLens within the hospital and HIRTA vehicles. The NaviLens technology offers smartphone-based directions with auditory read-outs, aiding individuals who are blind or low vision. Users can download the NaviLens or NaviLens GO app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to access this tool.

"The Health Connector initiative embodies our mission of ensuring no individual is left behind when it comes to accessing essential services," said Brooke Ramsey, Business Manager at HIRTA. "We are thrilled to partner with Dallas County Hospital to extend the reach of the Health Connector and make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most. NaviLens represents a significant step forward in our efforts to make healthcare facilities more inclusive and accessible to all individuals. By placing NaviLens codes within key areas of the hospital and on HIRTA vehicles, we are empowering individuals with visual disabilities to navigate healthcare with independence."

As part of HIRTA’s commitment to inclusivity, the HIRTA On Demand app supports multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and Mandarin, while the online booking portal offers translation support for 133 languages through Google Translate.

The partnership between HIRTA and Dallas County Hospital demonstrates a shared dedication to improving healthcare access and addressing the unique needs of underserved communities within Dallas County.

For more information about the Health Connector initiative and updates, please visit the Health Connector website or contact Brooke Ramsey at bramsey@ridehirta.com.