PROGRAMS

Statistics show about 3.6 million Americans miss or delay medical services simply because they lack adequate means of transportation to and from medical appointments. This has been widely recognized as a major issue in the Morongo Basin as well.

In response, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District operates a FREE, Non-Emergency Medical Transportation service, known as the “LIFT” program. LIFT Transportation provides FREE non-emergency transportation to medical appointments throughout the Morongo Basin. We also transport clients to medical appointments in the low-desert, as far west as Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and as far east as Eisenhower Medical Center.

Vans are wheelchair accessible. Our drivers provide “door-to-door” and “door-through-door” assistance for wheelchair-bound clients and those needing special assistance.

Transportation is provided to the patient and their caregiver (if applicable), and services are by scheduled appointment only.

To schedule an appointment, call: 760-366-LIFT (5438)

The LIFT Transportation program is funded through the efforts of the Morongo Basin Healthcare District in partnership with community organizations and agencies.

To make a donation in support of the LIFT Transportation program, please contact Joe Ruddon, Chief Community Program Officer, at JRuddon@MBHDistrict.org.

“Healthy Parks, Healthy People” was established by the National Park System in partnership with community leaders and organizations to promote the role of the parks and public lands in contributing to a person’s physical, mental and social well-being.

Morongo Basin Healthcare District has partnered with Joshua Tree National Park as part of this initiative. The program engages healthcare providers to prescribe outdoor activities to their patients, including hikes and walks in Joshua Tree National Park.

With the Morongo Basin Healthcare District’s “Take a Hike” program, healthcare providers at the Morongo Basin Community Health Centers will prescribe a written prescription for their patients to take a hike in Joshua Tree National Park as part of the patient’s care plan for improved health.

The provider will include a hiking guide and discuss with the patient which trails would work best for them: easy, moderate or strenuous. The prescription authorizes free entry to the park for 90 days for the patient and up to five people in the same vehicle as the patient.

Recreation in any form has been shown to improve physical and mental health. Benefits from increased physical activity include increased energy and stamina; reduced levels of stress, tension and depression; improved blood pressure and cardiovascular function; and body weight management.

Joshua Tree National Park provides more than 270 miles of trails which range from short, flat and paved to strenuous, steep climbs – creating a number of unique exercise opportunities. Hiking is just one form of exercise that can be accomplished while in the park. Biking on paved or dirt roads offers different views and perspectives.