The Montgomery County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy, or ASAP, announced it is partnering with Gateway Community Action to give transportation services to those in recovery from substance abuse disorders. The service promises to take those in recovery anywhere in Montgomery County free of charge.
April Smith, the Chair of the Montgomery County ASAP, said the program is beneficial for those who are in recovery and unable to get transportation. She added people in recovery often have many responsibilities but are unable to take care of them because they don’t have access to a vehicle or license.
“For instance, say that person is in drug court,” said Smith. “They have to do things like community service, they have to attend so many meetings a week, and we just look at it as a way for them to have that extra support of transportation.”
The program is not just used to get people in recovery to their obligations. Smith said recoverees can get rides to anywhere in Montgomery County. Smith said there was a prevalent misunderstanding that the rides are only free for visits to a doctor’s office, however this is not the case.
“It can be really for anything they need help with even going to the grocery store. It’s not just for doctor’s appointments, it’s for 12 step groups, appointments, job interviews,” said Smith.
Rides are completely free of charge when the promo word ASAP is used. They are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance. Montgomery County Transit can be reached at 1-800-927-1833.