United Way of Eastern Frontier Country (UWEFC), which in part serves Seminole County, has been awarded a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) to expand its Ride United Transportation Access program. This partnership with Lyft provides free rides to individuals facing transportation insecurity in Shawnee.

Through Ride United, community members can access essential services such as medical appointments, food assistance, and employment opportunities. With support from BCBSOK, UWEFC will increase ride availability, add staffing capacity for program coordination, and enhance marketing and outreach to ensure more residents know about and can use this vital service.

“Transportation should never be the reason someone misses a doctor’s appointment, a job interview, or the chance to access healthy food,” said Sandy Vanderburg, Executive Director of United Way of Eastern Frontier Country. “This grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma allows us to expand Ride United and connect more neighbors with the resources they need to thrive.”

Transportation barriers are one of the most pressing gaps in the Social Determinants of Health. By removing these barriers, Ride United connects low-income individuals and families to critical resources such as healthcare, food, and social services — creating healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.

The Blue Impact grant program invests in nonprofit organizations that address barriers to health and wellness in five focus areas: economic opportunity, nutrition, neighborhood and built environment, locally defined health solutions, and optimal mal health outcomes.

UWEFC was selected under the Neighborhood and Built Environments category for its innovative approach to improving access to transportation.

“By partnering with non-profits working to improve the health and lives of Oklahomans, we are able to amplify their reach and impact,” said Stephania Grober, President of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “We are proud to support United Way of Eastern Frontier Country in breaking down transportation barriers that affect so many in our communities.”

United Way of Eastern Frontier Country partners with 24 nonprofit organizations across its service area, working to create lasting change in the areas of financial security, healthy communities, youth opportunity, and community resiliency. The expansion of Ride United will ensure that more families in Shawnee and surrounding areas can reach essential services and build pathways toward a healthier future.

United Way of Eastern Frontier Country is a local and independently operated 501c3 serving Pottawatomie, Seminole, Hughes, and Lincoln County and serves 24 partner agencies. For more information about Ride United Transportation Access, visit www.unitedwayefc. org.