Governor Dan McKee announced that Uber has partnered with United Way of Rhode Island to help ensure eligible Rhode Islanders can access the COVID-19 vaccine.
The partnership supports the State's goal to vaccinate as many Rhode Islanders as possible by the end of summer by providing free rides to all Rhode Island vaccine sites for those with limited access to transportation.
The donation is a combination of promotional codes, which can be entered directly into the Uber app, and through Uber Health, a scheduling platform for individuals without a smartphone or access to the Uber app. Rhode Islanders can use the transportation options to travel to and from appointments scheduled at any vaccine site across the state.
By calling 2-1-1, Rhode Islanders in need of transportation to receive their vaccine will be connected to the free rides. A United Way 2-1-1 specialist will provide a promotional code for the caller to enter directly into their Uber app, good for four trips (two round trips) or two trips (one round trip) to and from a vaccine site.
For individuals with limited access to technology, United Way 2-1-1 specialists will provide a "concierge" service, arranging and scheduling the caller's rides to and from a vaccine site on their behalf.
United Way of Rhode Island's 2-1-1 help center, available 24/7 and in more than 100 languages, has been on the frontline of the state's response to COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
Along with handling more than 150,000 calls for information and referrals related to testing, health concerns, quarantine, and assistance with basic needs like food, shelter and utilities, 2-1-1 has helped tens of thousands of Rhode Islanders register for their vaccine.
Individuals across Rhode Island should call 2-1-1 to schedule a vaccine appointment and to get connected with the no-cost transportation they need. Promotional codes and rides through Uber Health will remain valid through September 30, 2021. ■
A very active and complex mid-May weather pattern is set to produce numerous areas of severe weather, heavy rain, high winds, and anomalous temperatures through this weekend.