Helpline Center now offering Lyft rides for COVID-19 vaccine appointments

The Helpline Center, in partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health, will provide free Lyft rides for individuals to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

“The Helpline Center is pleased to offer this critical service to high risk groups in South Dakota. We know that transportation is often a barrier to getting vaccinated and we are very appreciative of the partnership with South Dakota Department of Health to make this possible”, said Janet Kittams, CEO of the Helpline Center.

Individuals in Aberdeen, Brookings, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Watertown (and those within 20 miles of any of these communities) are eligible for this free service.  If someone doesn’t have transportation access to their vaccine appointment, they can simply call 211 and the Helpline Center staff will assist in the scheduling of a Lyft ride. The vaccine appointment must already be scheduled and there is a maximum of four rides per person. Riders will be required to follow COVID-19 prevention protocols, such as wearing a face covering during the ride and sanitizing hands frequently.

If you or someone you know doesn’t have the ability to get their COVID-19 vaccine due to a transportation concern, please call 211 today to get your free Lyft ride scheduled.