Tulsa World
By SHANNON MUCHMORE World Staff Writer
Published: 10/2/20111:58 AM
Last Modified: 10/3/20114:10 AM
If it weren't for Morton Comprehensive Health Service's in-house transportation system, Australia Hopson probably just wouldn't go to the doctor.
The 97-year-old is too arthritic to drive and doesn't have many family members or friends available to take her to appointments.
"I really don't know what in the world I'd do," Hopson said, shaking her head.
Few medical practices have transportation options like Morton, however, and even for Oklahomans who have insurance, having a doctor to see isn't always enough. Sometimes just getting to the office is the biggest roadblock to seeking health care.
In Tulsa, those who don't have a car often must spend a couple of hours riding the bus, switching routes several times. They usually have to take off work just to get to an appointment, health officials and social workers said.
Even for those who are close to their doctor's office - which is rare in north, west or east Tulsa - walking is often difficult if not impossible thanks to busy streets without traffic control and a lack of sidewalks... FULL ARTICLE
Posted on
Mon, October 3, 2011
by John Cox