Each week the AIDS Walk Boston Blog will profile one of our programs at AIDS Action Committee. The money raised by the Walk is crucial for supporting these vital programs. 

For our final week we spoke with Nancy Griffin, Transportation Program Coordinator:

With the average annual income of a client at AIDS Action Committee under $10,000 and the rising costs of public transportation, getting to and from health appointments provides a considerable hurdle. Recognizing this burden, AIDS Action Committee’s Transportation Program was created fifteen years ago to ensure clients are provided the opportunity to maintain their health.

“It is crucial that we make sure our clients are able to regularly attend their medical appointments to maintain their health,” notes Nancy.  “Unfortunately some clients cannot afford the transportation costs and they decide to skip medical appointments and further jeopardize their wellbeing.”

Nancy, who has been with the Transportation Program for twelve years, helps clients by providing taxi vouchers and commuter rail tickets so clients have access to conventional and alternative medical appointments and HIV-related support groups.

AAC’s Transportation Program also works with doctors to determine eligibility of clients for other state and insurance transportation programs, such as the discounted taxi service called The RIDE or the MBTA Access Pass Program. 

In addition to her duties as Transportation Program Coordinator, Nancy is also an avid team leader for AIDS Walk Boston!  In her time outside of work, Nancy helps coordinate and organize AAC staff members, volunteers, and clients for Larry’s Team. Larry’s Team, named after AIDS Action Committee founder Larry Kessler, is one of the Walk’s most active Gold Teams!  Look for Nancy and other members of Larry’s Team at AIDS Walk Boston on June 1^st!

Funds raised through AIDS Walk Boston support programs like The Transportation Program, please register or donate today to help us continue these vital services.