Ochsner, The Greater New Orleans Foundation and local officials are pleased to formally announce a partnership with Uber to provide transportation to and from vaccination sites in the greater New Orleans region. The partnership kicked off on Monday, March 29, just in time for Ochsner’s Inaugural Vaccine Fest, in which approximately 5,000 community members were vaccinated and entertained for 24-hours straight.
Uber and the Greater New Orleans Foundation are working together to provide 20,000 rides to local vaccination sites to community members with transportation issues. This is one of many efforts underway to eliminate barriers, especially in underserved communities, to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and healthcare services. Today, Ochsner Health provided 500 community members with vaccines at the New Philippians M.B.C. in the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood of New Orleans.
In a press conference today, Dr. Victoria Smith, Associate Medical Director at Ochsner Health, shared, “We recognize that vaccine availability is far from the only hurdle that community members may face. From getting time off work to finding transportation to not having access to a clinic or hospital in your neighborhood – these are all challenges that could delay or even prevent people from getting vaccinated. Uber, in partnership with Greater New Orleans Foundation, has stepped up in a big way to help with our efforts by committing to offer 20,000 free rides to and from vaccinations sites in the greater New Orleans area.”
“We are proud to expand our partnership with the Greater New Orleans Foundation to support Ochsner’s efforts to significantly boost access to COVID-19 vaccines in the Greater New Orleans region by providing transportation to and from vaccine appointments,” said Trevor Theunissen, Director of Public Affairs at Uber. “Throughout this pandemic we’ve maintained operations to provide essential services to New Orleanians and have taken multiple steps to help ensure that safety is at the heart of everything we’ve done. This is just the latest effort in our ongoing commitment to provide communities we serve with support they need during this unprecedented time.”
“Getting everyone vaccinated is the way we’re going to bring this pandemic to an end,” said Andy Kopplin, President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Uber to support the vaccination efforts being led by Ochsner Health.”
How it works
If you need transportation assistance, please let the operator know when scheduling your appointment at 844-888-2772.
Anyone 16 years and older is eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination in Louisiana. You can make an appointment at an Ochsner vaccination site two ways:
- Existing MyOchsner users can log on anytime to schedule.
- If you would like to setup a MyOchsner account, please visit myochsner.org.
- Call 844-888-2772.
- Walk-ups welcome at most vaccine sites.
Ochsner Health has administered more than 330,000 vaccine doses since December. To learn more, please visit https://www.ochsner.org/vaccineinfo.
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About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit committed to giving back to the communities it serves through preventative screenings, health and wellness resources and partnerships with innovative organizations that share our vision. Ochsner Health healed more than 900,000 people from across the globe in 2020, providing the latest medical breakthroughs and therapies, including digital medicine for chronic conditions and telehealth specialty services. Ochsner Health is a national leader, named the top hospital in Louisiana and a top children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report. As Louisiana’s leading healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. Ochsner Health is innovating healthcare by investing in new technologies and research to make world-class care more accessible, affordable, convenient and effective. Ochsner’s team of more than 32,000 employees and 4,500 providers are working to reinvent the future of health and wellness in the region. To learn more about Ochsner Health, please visit www.ochsner.org.
About the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF):
With roots extending over 90 years, the Greater New Orleans Foundation has been connecting generous people to the causes that spark their passion. As one of the most trusted philanthropic organizations in the region, we work every day to drive positive impact through philanthropy, leadership and action in our thirteen-parish region. In addition to grantmaking, we convene people, resources, and ideas to create intelligent strategies and solutions to meet our region’s greatest challenges. We are proud to serve as a vocal civic leader with our partners to ensure a vibrant, sustainable, and just region for all. Learn more at www.gnof.org.