Transportation has always been one of the greatest needs in our community—and for many, it determines whether they can access medical care, buy groceries, or simply connect with others. Through CareVan, a program made possible through partnerships with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and Kansas Medicaid, CareVan offers vital transportation services to meet those needs head-on. CHC/SEK took over CareVan operations in November of 2022. “Transportation is one of the most important things we’re able to offer,” Cassie Jones, the Transportation Program Manager, says. “And I’m really proud and humbled to be a part of this service.”
CareVan offers two different transportation services: general public and non-emergency medical.
General public transportation is on a first come, first serve basis through the partnership with KDOT. General public transportation is there for anyone in Bourbon, Cherokee, and Crawford County who needs it. It primarily serves elderly and disabled individuals’ that are not able to drive or may not have the needed resources to drive. This service isn’t limited to medical appointments—it includes trips to the grocery store, restaurants or even visits to the vet. However, this program does not allow CareVan to cross state lines. With non-emergency medical transportation, CareVan is able to cross state lines as long as the trips to healthcare providers, sometimes hours away, are approved through Kansas Medicaid.
At this time, CareVan currently has ten drivers and staff are interviewing for one more. Of those drivers, four provide non-emergency medical transportation and seven focus on public transportation. CareVan operations are supported by two full-time dispatchers—one of whom also serves as the billing coordinator for non-emergency medical transportation. “In a five-day period, we provided 282 rides and that is for both general public transportation and non-emergency medical transportation,” Jones says. “And within a thirty-day period, our dispatchers answered 3,234 calls whether that was to request for or confirm rides.” Behind the wheel and behind the scenes, every member of the CareVan team plays a critical role in helping people access care and maintain independence.
The impact of CareVan goes far beyond simply providing transportation—it’s about connection, compassion, and showing up for people when it matters most. Jones shared a powerful story that speaks volumes about the heart behind the work. “One of our drivers actually built a ramp off her porch so that this rider could have access to get onto the bus,” she said. “It’s really humbling to see the extra mile our staff is willing to go—not because they have to, but because they care.”
These meaningful connections, especially with riders who rely on CareVan multiple times a week for dialysis or cancer treatments, grow into something more than just a service. “Some of our riders don’t have anyone else to help them. Our drivers aren’t required to do these things, but they choose to. It’s who they are as people,” Jones added. “And I’m very proud to work alongside them.”
Another recent story shows just how meaningful these moments can be. “We recently transported a resident from a nursing home to a veterinary clinic to say goodbye to her pet. After grieving, she asked to be taken to adopt a new companion,” Jones recalled. “That same driver was there for both moments—quietly providing comfort during one of life’s most emotional transitions. It was a powerful reminder of how much more this service is than just transportation.”
Appointments can be scheduled for CareVan in a few ways. If you are a rider or someone assisting, you can call the dispatch number (833) 228-7433 or call (620) 240-8930 for a direct line. General public transportation operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, while the dispatchers are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. At this time, weekend services for CareVan are not offered.