BERWICK, Pa. — Fresenius Dialysis Service in Berwick is a lifeline for those who need it, but accessing medical services can be difficult for patients in rural areas.
"The only way she gets here is if I take her to and from dialysis, and I use my lunch break to bring her home," Tina Baucher said.
That's why state officials made a stop in Columbia County to promote Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget. His proposal includes an additional $282 million for transportation and more than $37 million for shared-ride services, like Rabbittransit, which has routes in the most rural areas.
"More than half of the folks who need to get here would have no way to get here. To say that it would be impactful in their lives would be a gross understatement. The need for transit here in rural Pennsylvania, in Columbia County, in Montour County, is critically important," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
Shuttles transport more than half of the patients to the Berwick dialysis location, but some patients still struggle to get to and from their services.
"There is nothing else here. And if, for whatever reason, if they couldn't get on the van, a lot of these folks are disabled, so they can't get into a private vehicle," said Kelly Schraeder, Fresenius clinic manager.
Those who would benefit say it's an investment that is more than just a state budget.
"I called to check to see if she could get transportation. They said she would have to switch to go to dialysis in Hazleton or Wilkes-Barre when she only can walk to her house from here," Baucher said.