Richland Co. Transportation Has New Facility

The old National Guard armory located on west Holly Street is the new facility for Richland County Transportation and the Commission on Aging. Director, Jody Berry, is glad to be moved in to the department's new location as it brings much more needed space for the transport vehicles and program development.

"The process took a few years to finalize," stated Berry. With freshly painted walls, the armory provides a great space for development of current programs provided by the Commission on Aging. This new location provided a large increase in area from the previous 670 square feet at their old office, is great for storing and maintaining transport vehicles inside, and was essential for preserving the privacy of program participants. The agency plans on adding an ADA compliant elevator, which is budgeted for 2021 fiscal year.

Programs that the Richland County Commission on Aging provides the community are transportation, meals on wheels, Medicare Part D supplemental insurance assistance, Medicare 101 classes, and arthritis fitness and nutrition programs. The Richland County Commission on Aging provided over 6700 senior center meals, 6300 meals on wheels and 3000 health screenings for the previous fiscal year. The department provides free health screenings that include weight check, blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugars. During the open enrollment period for Medicare October 15-December 7, 2018, 500 people were signed up for Part D Medicare supplemental insurance through the SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) with a savings of over $724,000. "The supplemental food program will eventually move over here as well," Jody Berry says. All programs are open to seniors age 60 or over, regardless of income level.

The staff is having an open house Friday, September 13 to answer questions and allow the public to see the new facility location. There will be food, door prizes, games and demonstrations for exercise programs provided by the agency. Free will donations are gladly accepted to help support programs. Open house is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit richland.org or call 406-433-3701.