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Council on Aging flags transportation strain as human services describe rising demand
Summary
Human services and Council on Aging staff told the Finance Committee that outreach and services remain in high demand — COA director Dan Pettit called transportation the department’s biggest need after reporting thousands of rides provided and increased home visits — and said staffing and vehicle additions are planned to reduce unmet ride requests.
Human services leaders briefed the Finance Committee on July 13 about service volumes and unmet needs, with a particular focus on aging residents’ transportation.
Jessica Porter (assistant town manager/human resources director) described community services, veterans services and other programs, providing counts of residents served through outreach and the holiday programs. Dan Pettit, director of the Council on Aging, said transportation is the COA’s largest operational challenge — noting thousands of rides provided in a calendar year and rising demand for medical transportation and home visits.
“Our transportation service, I would say, is our biggest need,” Pettit said, outlining efforts to streamline routes and recruitment of a new part‑time van driver. The COA is also pursuing a 14‑seat passenger van approved at Town Meeting and is working with volunteer drivers and partner agencies to cover longer trips.
Why it matters: the COA serves nearly 30% of Concord’s population aged 60 and older; transportation and outreach services are essential to independent living and access to medical care. Staff said they will pursue grants, partnerships and vehicle procurement to ease service gaps and asked the committee to be mindful of operational needs during the budget season.
No formal action was taken.
