$250K In Federal Funds Set For Brick Dialysis Transportation Program

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township is set to receive $250,000 in federal funding to start a dialysis transportation service for its senior residents, one of a number of local projects set for funding under the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package approved by Congress.

The House of Representatives passed the bill Dec. 23, a day after the Senate approved the federal spending bill. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the package within days.

The funding will allow Brick to set up the separate service for seniors who are dialysis patients and fill a gap that exists with Ocean Ride, the bus system operated by Ocean County, and the Senior Shuttle operated by Brick Township, officials said.

"Since dialysis treatment schedules are multiple times throughout the week and of significant duration, the current system of transportation in the Township and County cannot accommodate rides to the dialysis treatment centers," officials said. "This leaves many seniors struggling to access life-sustaining medical treatment for their chronic condition."

The dialysis transportation program will "provide a reliable service to safely transport seniors in our community to and from the medical care they need," according to Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey's 3rd District, who announced the funding.

It is one of multiple projects in Ocean County that will receive funding in the bill, which was the last official action of the House for this congressional session. It is Kim's last House vote while serving Ocean County; on Jan. 3 the redistricting takes effect, and Kim's Ocean County towns will be split between Chris Smith in the 4th District and Jeff Van Drew in the 2nd District.

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