This new route - the Southern Maine Connector - began February 3 and will service four of SMHC’s locations in the Sanford and Biddeford areas. Those locations include the campuses located at SMHC Sanford Medical Center, SMHC Biddeford Medical Center, SMHC- 46 Barra Road, Biddeford and SMHC- 9 Healthcare Drive, Biddeford. The new route will operate Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm, and offers connections to Sanford Transit at Nasson Health Care, SMHC Sanford Medical Center, Biddeford-Saco-OOB Transit (BSOOB) at SMHC Biddeford Medical Center, and the Saco Transportation Center.
"We are excited to partner with YCCAC on this important initiative," said Nate Howell, SMHC President. "The lack of affordable and accessible transportation has been identified as a barrier for the delivery of health care in York County, and SMHC and YCCAC came together and developed this option for our residents and patients."
The SMC also stops at several other locations along the route including Market Basket and Walmart in Biddeford. The SMC is open to the public, is ADA compliant, and offers reasonable fares.
"Access to quality health care is vital to the residents of any community," said YCCAC deputy director Carter Friend. "The new bus route between Springvale and Saco, with stops at SMHC facilities along the way, will certainly reduce the transportation barrier that many in our local communities experience. We’re looking forward to the partnership with SMHC, and believe that the transportation initiative will be an investment that achieves positive results and delivers community impact."
Schedule and fare information can be found at www.yccac.org on the transportation webpage.
Photo Caption: YCCAC and SMHC commemorate the kick-off of the new Southern Maine Connector pilot program that offers a new bus route between Springvale and Saco. Pictured left to right, Robert Currie, Transportation Director, YCCAC, Carter Friend, Deputy Director, YCCAC, Patsy Aprile, Chief Operating Officer, SMHC, and Susan Keiler, VP, Strategic Planning, SMHC.
About Southern Maine Health Care
Southern Maine Health Care (SMHC) is a national award-winning healthcare organization with a non-profit mission “to improve the health and health care of the communities we serve.” SMHC includes a full service, acute care medical center in Biddeford, with York County’s only inpatient mental health unit. Emergency care, surgical services and diagnostic and therapy services are available at SMHC’s Medical Centers in Biddeford and Sanford. SMHC offers primary care and multi-specialty physician services, diagnostic and therapy services and Walk-In Care centers in York County communities including Biddeford, Kennebunk, Saco, Sanford and Waterboro. SMHC is Joint Commission accredited and has been recognized for quality excellence by numerous outside organizations. SMHC is part of the MaineHealth system, a growing family of health care services in northern New England. To learn more, visit smhc.org.
About York County Communication Action Corporation
York County Community Action Corporation was incorporated in 1965 in response to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Since then, York County communities have counted on YCCAC to provide opportunity and hope to people from all circumstances, particularly in times of transition or adversity. Over time, we have added to our services to meet the changing demands in our communities, but our approach remains the same: We are driven by the belief that when our communities are strong, all of its members have opportunities to thrive— and, in turn, that when an individual achieves personal success and independence, our communities grow healthier, stronger, and more vibrant. Learn more at www.yccac.org
Media Contact:
Allison Kenty
617-529-3123
allison.kenty@mainehealth.org