WellSpan Health has donated $16,500 to support the continued operation of StopHopper, an on-call microtransit service in Central Pennsylvania. The funding will help maintain transportation options for residents in Union, Snyder, Northumberland, and Columbia counties.
The health system stated that the donation is part of its effort to address social factors that influence health outcomes in rural communities. Kendra Aucker, senior vice president at WellSpan Health and president of WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital, said, “At WellSpan we invest in the needs of our communities because we know our communities. We listen and work collaboratively to find solutions that align with our mission, like providing transportation so patients can access our services, because exceptional care for all begins with addressing all aspects of health.”
StopHopper offers public transit for rural areas through a flexible, on-demand model. Local leaders emphasized the importance of this service for community well-being. Bob Garrett, president and CEO of the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, commented, “The potential loss of this service would represent a significant step backward in our collective efforts to build vibrant, healthier, more connected, and more economically resilient communities. Without this critical funding, StopHopper would cease operations—a devastating blow to many who rely on it daily.”
WellSpan Health collaborates with partners across Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland to address community needs related to health and wellness. More information about these initiatives can be found at https://WellSpan.org/about/Wellspan-in-the-community.
