ITNCentral Oklahoma will take seniors where they need to go [The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City]

Nov. 06--Problems with her vision forced Carol Hansen to retire not only as a judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals, but from driving a car.

"Take life with whatever it hands you, but I'm fine with it as long as I have someone to help me drive," Hansen said. "That's just critical, absolutely critical."

Hansen's daughter, Elizabeth Hatcher, read about ITNAmerica and thought it would be useful to her mother.

ITNAmerica is a national nonprofit transportation system for older and visually impaired adults.

About a year ago, members of the Oklahoma County Medical Society board began discussing the issue of senior transportation, especially to get to doctors' appointments, Associate Director Tracy Senat said.

They got in contact with ITNAmerica and organized a local chapter, ITNCentral Oklahoma.

The membership-based organization offers rides to people age 60 and older and visually impaired people of any age, 24 hours a day, seven days a week to unrestricted destinations, not just for medical needs.

A $50 annual fee is used "like a debit account or PIKEPASS account," Senat said.

ITNCentral Oklahoma is still waiting on its 501(c)(3) status, board member Marsha Funk said.

"Dare we say we're hopeful for a before the end of the year launch," Funk said.

"If we can get funding for a dispatcher," Senat added.

They are hopeful approval will come quickly as ITNCentral Oklahoma is a new chapter in an already existing organization.

In the meantime, they are recruiting volunteer drivers who will use their own vehicles after passing the training, which involves a background check, a safe driving test and proof of insurance.

Drivers can choose to be reimbursed for their gas, or they can rack up mileage accounts that would be available to them if they ever need the service. They also can donate their mileage accounts to clients.

"We really try to make this a personalized service. The rider is encouraged to sit in the front seat with the driver and have conversation," said Dr. Mark Mellow, ITNCentral Oklahoma board president.

A computer database pairs drivers and riders who live near each other so they are able to get to know each other, Mellow said.

"There's going to be a greater need as the baby boomers get older. There's going to be even more need for volunteer drivers, especially in places like Oklahoma City where public transportation isn't as accessible as in other large cities," Hatcher said.

To learn more

Information on how to make a donation to help launch the organization or how to become a rider or driver can be found at www.itncentraloklahoma.org or by calling 702-0500.

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