Dialysis Shuttle For Seniors Launches In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township has launched its dialysis transportation service for township seniors who need assistance getting to and from their dialysis appointments, officials announced.

The dialysis transportation is an expansion of Brick's Senior Shuttle service, which launched in 2019 to provide transportation for township residents 60 and older to a variety of places, including the township Senior Center, the shopping centers and more.

The Senior Dialysis Transportation service will provide door-to-door transportation to dialysis appointments within Brick to residents age 60 and older. The shuttle is wheelchair-accessible and has specially trained employees who can help patients with mobility issues, officials said.

There is no charge to patients to use the service, which is paid for in part by $250,000 in federal funding set aside for the program in the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill in December 2022.

"We are beyond excited that the dialysis transportation service is officially transporting seniors in need to their life-sustaining treatments," Mayor Lisa Crate said in a news release. "This initiative is a testament to the commitment of this administration and the Township Council to the well-being of our senior citizens."

The Senior Dialysis Transportation program is coordinated by the Brick Senior Services office.

Almost 25 percent of Brick's residents are age 60 or older, town officials said, and dialysis transportation has been a need expressed by residents who need dialysis treatments to maintain their health but who aren't able to get to their treatment on their own, said Zulma Soto, director of Brick Township Senior Services.

Residents who need assistance can call Brick Senior Services at 732-920-8686 for additional information on the Senior Dialysis Transportation service.

Brick's Senior Shuttle program includes two wheelchair-accessible buses, one acquired through a grant and the other purchased by Brick. The service is available to all residents ages 60 and over.

Anyone wishing to use the Senior Shuttle should call Senior Services at 732-920-8686 at least two days in advance of an appointment. Seating is limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.