Just Rides
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JustRides was developed by CaringMatters in partnership with the Adventist HealthCare Cancer Services in Rockville and Silver Spring, Maryland. The program supports adults and their families being treated for cancer or other blood disorders by providing free compassionate, reliable, and culturally competent transportation to and from treatments. Rides are provided by trained CaringMatters volunteers.
About Just Rides:​
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Just Rides volunteers are specially trained by CaringMatters to support patients and caregivers dealing with a serious illness, like cancer, and the physical and emotional challenges presented by symptoms and ongoing treatment.
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The volunteer training has a strong focus on the experiences and needs of cancer patients and prepares the driver to offer the appropriate amount of social interaction during their time together—becoming a supportive presence that can be incredibly helpful for patients. Whatever the prognosis, Just Rides volunteers strive to give empathetic support as they drive their patients.
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With the support of volunteers in the JustRides program, cancer patients will have door-to-door rides from their homes to cancer treatment and other health and social services appointments.
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CaringMatters staff can also help patients explore other transportation and community resources, as needed.
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Why is Just Rides such an important community resource?
A cancer or blood disorder diagnosis can be overwhelming and unreliable transportation can compound the stress patients and their families experience when trying to obtain medical treatment. Together, CaringMatters and Adventist HealthCare identified this as a significant need within their patient population due to the lack of reliable and affordable transportation services within the community. CaringMatters is proud to provide short-term transportation support with the unique needs of patients in mind to help alleviate the stress surrounding transportation.
How do patients access Just Rides?
Patients will be referred by Adventist Healthcare’s Cancer Centers and by other CaringMatters programs that are providing volunteer support for companionship and practical life activities for those diagnosed with cancer.
For more information, please contact
Amy Fier, Senior Director of Patient and Caregivers Services, amyf@caringmatters.org or 301-869-4673, ext. 117​