Health Connector Press Kit
Health Connector wouldn't be possible without involvement from our community. Use these resources to help spread the word!
WHAT IS HEALTH CONNECTOR?
The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) has worked alongside Arcadis, Capture Management Solutions, the Community Transportation Association of America, the Dallas County Health Department, Flexlynqs, the Institute for Transportation at Iowa State University, and Via to create Health Connector: An Inclusive Mobility Experience from Beginning to End (Health Connector).
The U.S. Department of Transportation Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Joint Program Office (JPO) awarded HIRTA a pilot under the ITS4US Deployment Program for its proposed Health Connector concept, which will introduce an innovative solution to address challenges in transportation access to healthcare for HIRTA communities.
Health Connector is a platform designed to address the needs and challenges faced by various populations in Dallas County, in accessing healthcare services. The objective is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, with a specific focus on groups such as persons with disabilities, individuals with low income, older adults, veterans, and those with limited English proficiency.
JOIN US ON THIS JOURNEY
We want to make it simple to share the most important details about Health Connector.
This kit provides the information and materials to help you effectively communicate the purpose and benefits of Health Connector!
You can utilize our sample social media posts, videos, flyer, and more to help spread the word and easily get more Iowans to their healthcare destinations.
HOW DOES HEALTH CONNECTOR WORK?
Health Connector makes it easier than ever to get reliable and affordable transportation to healthcare destinations!
Community health navigators, healthcare staff, and travelers can simultaneously book healthcare appointments and the necessary transportation. Travelers can schedule additional health-supportive trips along the way, including to pick up personal companions or prescriptions.
With a built-in wayfinding app and infotainment devices in all vehicles, Health Connector is truly a one-stop shop for healthcare trips.
FAQs
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive. Visit the “Health Connector FAQs” section of our site for even more!
What is Health Connector?
The Health Connector, led by HIRTA, aims to address the needs and challenges faced by various populations, particularly underserved communities, in accessing healthcare services. The overview is to integrate healthcare appointment scheduling and transportation. The objective is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, with a specific focus on groups such as persons with disabilities, individuals with low income, older adults, veterans, and those with limited English proficiency.
Who is eligible?
Travelers are eligible if they fit any of the following:
- Traveling to or from Dallas County
- 60+ years old
- Have a disability
- Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
- Reside in a low-income household
- Are a veteran
How can travelers sign up?
Registration for Health Connector can be completed on the ITS4US website.
How are rides booked?
Once registered and briefed by a HIRTA employee, Health Connector trips can be booked using the HIRTA On Demand app or the web portal. The app is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Additionally, there is a kiosk conveniently located at the Dallas County Hospital.
How much does it cost to ride?
One-way trips within town are $2.50. One-way trips within the county are $5.00.
How are rides paid for?
Travelers can pay with exact cash at the time of their trip, link a credit/debit card to their account through the HIRTA On-Demand smartphone app, or preload credit over the phone with our customer service team.
Can Health Connector buses accommodate a wheelchair?
Yes! Travelers should inform Health Connector staff of any mobility devices at the time of scheduling. The lift platform must not exceed 34” x 54” and the combined weight (mobility device while occupied) should not exceed 600 lbs.
What languages are supported?
The HIRTA On Demand app is available in English, Spanish, and Mandarin, and can be changed in your device’s settings. The web portal supports additional languages.
SOCIAL MEDIA
#HealthConnector
Use these sample posts and graphics to share information about Health Connector with your audience.
GRAPHICS
POST CONTENT
POST #1
The Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) is unveiling the newest addition to medical transportation in Dallas County!
Through the Health Connector program, healthcare appointments and transportation to those appointments can be conveniently scheduled at the same time.
Visit www.ridehirta.com/its4us to learn more.
POST #2
Limited mobility, language barriers, and access to transportation can make it difficult to successfully schedule and get to medical appointments. HIRTA’s new Health Connector program aims to lessen these challenges and give more Iowans reliable, affordable access to their healthcare destinations.
With an accessible wayfinding app and a simple scheduling system, Health Connector makes it easy to schedule a ride to and from appointments—and even pick up prescriptions along the way!
Learn more at www.ridehirta.com/its4us.
BRANDING ASSETS AND LOGOS
HEX CODES
Yellow: #F6ED30
Green: #37B54A
Blue: #165DAB
Black: #000000
FLYERS
Use these flyers to explain the benefits of Health Connector.
FOR PARTNERS
VIDEOS
Use these videos to highlight the simplicity of Health Connector's capabilities and the value of its benefits to partners and travelers.
Health Connector Information for Travelers
Health Connector Information for Partners
Overview of Health Connector
Registration Walkthrough
TESTIMONIALS
We think Health Connector is great, but your network doesn't just have to take our word for it!
Use these testimonials from REAL customers who shared their experiences with healthcare trips to show your community how Health Connector has already made a positive impact.
"I have been able to make doctors appts., get groceries, pick up prescriptions and many other important tasks thanks to HIRTA and the Health Connector. The staff and drivers are polite and friendly and very helpful to someone new to the area like me.
Without HIRTA, I would be in a much more difficult situation. I can't say enough good about them.”
"HIRTA is the only way of transportation for me. I am a double amputee, I have kidney disease, and I am blind in one eye and limited in the other eye. My kidney disease is life threatening. HIRTA knows exactly what to do, thank you for the Health Connector.
If I was driving myself, the outcome could have been different."
"I want everyone to know that I love HIRTA. All the bus drivers are very nice, and I enjoy getting to talk to them.
I wouldn't be able to make it to my doctor's appointments without the Health Connector."
"I am visually impaired and unable to drive. My family is not close and I rely on HIRTA for all transportation needs. HIRTA provides me with rides to and from doctor visits.
I had been getting discouraged in getting transportation. HIRTA and the Health Connector help tremendously."
HELPFUL LINKS
Linktree is a great tool to keep your most important links in one place. Talk about a one-stop-shop!
Visit our Linktree to access even more Health Connector resources, including the following:
- Dallas County Health Navigation Referral Tool
- Download links for NaviLens on the Apple App Store and Google Play
- Patient scheduling platforms for MercyOne and Dallas County Hospital
PROJECT PARTNERS
