ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) is becoming an indispensable service in Central Florida, especially for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Florida National News spotlights companies like Excelyhealth Medical Transport, LLC, which is stepping up to provide reliable and accessible transportation for crucial appointments, serving as a lifeline for many in the Orlando area.

This service helps connect residents to leading healthcare providers such as Orlando Health, AdventHealth, Encompass Health, nursing homes, and dialysis centers. Whether it’s a doctor’s appointment, hospice care, or ongoing physical therapy, NEMT is bridging the gap between healthcare access and community support.

How Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Impacts Lives

1. Access to Essential Care
   Missing vital medical appointments can have severe health consequences. Reliable NEMT services ensure individuals get to their dialysis, physical therapy, or doctor’s appointments on time, supporting better health outcomes.
2. Supporting Independence
   For those with disabilities, transportation services provide autonomy, allowing them to manage their healthcare without relying solely on friends or family for rides.
3. Catering to Specialized Needs
   NEMT providers like Excelyhealth specialize in accommodating unique requirements such as wheelchair-accessible vehicles and trained drivers who understand medical protocols.
4. Reducing Isolation
   Transportation to nursing homes, hospice facilities, or even community events fosters social connection and mental well-being, especially for the elderly and individuals with limited mobility.

Challenges in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

• High Costs: While some services accept Medicaid, others may be cost-prohibitive for uninsured or low-income individuals.
• Service Limitations: Availability of accessible vehicles and trained personnel can be inconsistent, particularly during peak hours.
• Scheduling Conflicts: Long wait times or delays due to scheduling issues can disrupt critical healthcare routines.

Useful Tips for Orlando’s Disability Community

1. Plan and Book in Advance
   • Schedule transportation as early as possible to secure availability for your appointment times.
2. Verify Insurance Coverage
   • Medicaid often covers NEMT for eligible individuals. Contact your provider to confirm details.
3. Prepare Essential Information
   • Keep a list of your medical appointments, contact numbers, and specific mobility needs for seamless service.
4. Explore Community Options
   • Orlando offers various paratransit and local non-profit services for low-cost or free rides.
5. Communicate Clearly
   • Inform the service provider about any special needs, like wheelchair assistance or additional caregivers.

Orlando’s NEMT Services in Action

Local companies like Excelyhealth focus on providing transportation to key medical destinations:

• Dialysis Centers: Regular transport ensures patients maintain life-saving treatments.
• Hospitals and Clinics: Frequent rides to Orlando Health and AdventHealth help manage ongoing care.
• Rehabilitation Facilities: Encompass Health patients benefit from reliable transportation for physical therapy sessions.
• Nursing Homes and Hospice Care: NEMT facilitates family visits and end-of-life care appointments.

By addressing transportation challenges and providing actionable solutions, Orlando’s non-emergency medical transportation network is empowering the disability community, fostering better health outcomes, and promoting inclusivity. For more information on services, visit Excelyhealth Medical Transport, LLC.

SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Florida governor Ron DeSantis opened his Sanford press conference slamming COVID vaccine mandates for medical personnel before making his big announcement: $125 million in approved state funding for nurse training and employment.

Gov. DeSantis explained that $100 million will go to colleges and universities for higher education programs and pipeline programs to help nurses complete their degrees and transition right into jobs upon graduation.

The governor shared that the remaining $25 million is assigned to “combating the shortage of nursing instructors,” meaning funding will also provided for those who can teach and train up and nurses and medical students. Additionally, the funding will providing some student loan assistance for students pursuing nursing careers.

Seminole State College and Valencia College will each receive $1.4 million of the $25 million in pipeline funding to help their students “earn while they learn,” according to Florida Dept. of Education Senior Chancellor Henry Mack. Mack also pointed out that Gov. DeSantis has awarded over $5 billion in education and technical training funding since taking office.

The full press conference live stream can be viewed above. (Governor DeSantis starts speaking at 24:11 on the video.)

DeSantis also addressed the appointment of Cord Byrd and defended his decision to appoint Byrd, also noting that Byrd would be tough on election integrity.

DeSantis was asked again about Disney’s Reedy Creek Improvement District and the tax consequences on Orange and Osceola County residents. He explained that he plans to ensure control of the tax debt would move from the counties to the state and that no counties should be raising taxes on their residents. He also doubled down on Disney repaying the debt.

When Florida National News brought the conversation back around to funding in the state budget for nurses–namely the appropriations proposal for an additional building for UCF’s Nursing School in Lake Nona, Governor DeSantis said he’s still reviewing the budget and that more medical funding projects would be forthcoming.

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Mellissa Thomas is Editor for Florida National News. | mellissa.thomas@floridanationalnews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Servant’s Heart Ministry’s in-person 5K kicks of on May 14, 2022. Attendees can run, walk or stroll through the beautiful streets of Belle Isle in the Greater Orlando area to help bring awareness and support those in need. People can register as an individual or create their very own team. Grab your family, friends, co-workers, running groups, or church groups and make a difference today.

The entry donation fee of $35 provides two full weeks of groceries for one local family. Anyone and everyone can participate. Supporters can help the ministry reach its $40,000 goal by creating a fundraising page or creating a team through the event page.

Those who want to help even more can create their own unique fundraising page after they register to help the ministry reach their goal. Supporters will be able to customize it just the way they want and will be able to share it with others as well as on social media platforms.

As a special thank you, with every $35 donation/registration fee, the ministry will be gifting those registered with a t-shirt the morning of the event while supplies last. Shirt sizes may be limited.

When: Saturday, May 14, 2022
Where: Belle Isle, Florida (Central Florida)
Registration begins: 7:00 AM
Race begins: 8:00 AM

For more information, contact Servant’s Heart Ministry at 407-447-3022, or visit www.servantsheartministry.org