Providence Seaside Hospital.

Providence Seaside Hospital recently partnered with Rinehart Clinic, in Wheeler, to expand its Community Connections transportation program into Tillamook County.

The free community benefit ride program is a ministry of Providence Seaside Hospital that allows patients with medical appointments in Clatsop County and/or the Portland metro area to reserve transportation through the hospital.

In 2017, Community Connections provided 1,625 rides totaling 55,784 miles. The program is staffed with a program coordinator, part-time driver and several volunteer drivers.

Rinehart Clinic is a federally qualified health center located in north Tillamook County that provides health care regardless of health conditions or financial circumstances. As a federal qualified health center, Rinehart Clinic has programs available to help patients who may have difficulty paying their health care bills.

The Community Connections transportation program serves people of all ages who have limited transportation options and meet certain income eligibility criteria. Clients are asked to schedule ride requests 14 days in advance of a medical appointment. To learn more, call Providence Seaside Hospital Community Connections at 503-717-7766.