Lyman committee proposes volunteer driver pilot to help older residents reach medical and pharmacy appointments

Joe Wagner, who opened the meeting of the Lyman ad hoc Age‑Friendly Committee, said the group is investigating a volunteer driver pilot to help older, car‑dependent residents get to medical appointments and pharmacies.

"The development of a volunteer driver program for Lyman would receive guidance from or has received guidance from existing programs in Saco and in Biddeford," Wagner said, noting the committee has obtained forms and policies used in Biddeford. He said Lifelong Maine (University of Maine Center on Aging) can provide free background checks, excess liability insurance and a potential mini‑grant up to $5,000 to buy a dedicated phone and laptop for the pilot.

Why it matters: Committee members said surveys show Lyman’s population skews older and many residents depend on personal vehicles for essential trips. Organizers argued a small, local volunteer program could fill gaps where public transit does not stop in Lyman regularly and where existing providers have limited capacity.

Committee plans and scope Wagner proposed starting modestly, for example by limiting early service to people age 60 and older and prioritizing trips to medical appointments and pharmacies. "We may limit ourselves to those over the age of 60 and older, who need transportation to medical appointments and pharmacy visits," he said. He also suggested a public forum next month to recruit volunteers and riders and asked residents to contact him at josephw@limon-ne.gov to register interest.

Existing services and coordination Wagner summarized outreach to York County Community Action (YCCAC): Mobitacare coordinates medical trips and York County operates drivers for MaineCare transport. He said clients who drive themselves or use friends and family can be reimbursed 22¢ per mile if income is 200% or less of the federal poverty level. Wagner noted the Southern Maine Connector bus passes through Lyman but has no scheduled stop; residents can request a stop by calling YCCAC at 459‑2932.

Operational considerations Speakers discussed key operational matters: volunteers would use personal vehicles and must be covered by background checks before driving; excess liability insurance from a program partner would be needed to limit municipal exposure. The committee described a scheduling workflow in which volunteer drivers set availability in a rides software system, a program coordinator assigns rides and drivers confirm with riders (including vehicle description) and call the night before.

Accessibility and safety limits Participants warned volunteers should not be asked to transfer people from wheelchairs. Katrina Randall, who spoke during the meeting, said the intake process should capture whether a rider can self‑transfer and note required vehicle size. The committee agreed those limitations must be clearly stated so volunteers know what is expected.

Administration and staffing Committee members emphasized the importance of a program coordinator and raised job‑sharing to reduce burnout. They also discussed governance options: setting the ad hoc committee up as an independent nonprofit (e.g., a 501(c)(3)) so the town does not assume responsibility, and using Lifelong Maine resources while keeping the program administratively separate.

Outreach and next steps The committee agreed to produce flyers (Lifelong Maine may print them free), post information via the town newsletter and email system, consider a Facebook information page (limited to informational posts, not ride requests), and staff a table at the Sept. 9 election to collect interest. A volunteer offered to draft the initial flyer; the committee will check dates with the town manager and hold a public forum next month. Wagner also recommended posting the meeting recording to answer common questions in advance.

Meeting close Several attendees shared personal experience about volunteering and the relief such services bring to families and caregivers. Wagner moved to adjourn; Katrina Randall seconded, and the motion carried by voice vote. The committee set a follow‑up forum as its next public step.