A Compassionate Journey

Mission Statement:

"Intent to maintain the health and improving the mobility of seniors and individuals with disabilities by removing barriers to transportation service and expanding transportation mobility options."

Our story begins in 2018, when the need for medical transport in our community became more apparent.  Steve Brom, was serving as a representative for Grant County on the Silver-Haired Legislature committee of KDOT.  Steve took up the cause, and Southwest Health Transport was formed to secure a bus transport for the elderly and disabled citizens from Grant County to Garden City for medically necessary services that are not available locally.  Sammy and Michelle Pauda's story is a great example of the struggle that their family faces with faithful perseverance every day.  "For six years, I drove my husband to dialysis before Southwest Health Transport became available.  At that time, we were on the road by 4:30 AM to get him to Garden City.  On days I worked, I would drive back to Ulysses for my job, relying on friends and family to bring him back home.  Making that trip several times a week could be monotonous, and at times dangerous-- especially in snow and ice.  The hardest days were during the COVID lockdown.  Dialysis treatments last four or more hours, and with no businesses open, all I could do was wait in my car or at a park, uncertain if the shutdown might even affect the dialysis center.  As far as patient and caregiver, Sam and I are both grateful for the service Southwest Health Transport provides."

Even though this unfortunate struggle is real for so many others, it is because of assets like Southwest Health Transport being available to people in our great community.  Making the journey possible for everyone, and ultimately enhancing our quality of life.

Southwest Health Transport is a non-profit organization in Ulysses with a 10 passenger bus, capable of transporting wheelchair patients as well.  The bus operates on a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule, with a departure time of 6:30 AM from Ulysses to Garden City for medically necessary appointments only.  Seats are first available to the elderly and disabled, but additional seating is available for anyone requiring transport.  The cost is $20 per ticket to and from Garden City.  To schedule a ride please call 620-952-9667.  In the event of inclement (bad) weather the bus will not be able to transport.  A cancellation notification will be sent out. 

Please contact Southwest Health Transport if you have any questions or wish to contribute to our compassionate journey at the phone number listed above, or our mailing address: PO Box 373, Ulysses, KS 67880.