Eastern Idaho Public Health launched “Rides to Recovery,” a transportation program designed to eliminate barriers to addiction and mental health treatment in Idaho Falls. The initiative, a partnership between Eastern Idaho Public Health (EIPH) and Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT), addresses a critical gap in recovery services.
Transportation poses a significant obstacle to treatment participation. According to Mallory Johnson, Health Educator at Eastern Idaho Public Health, “Reliable transportation influences an individual’s ability to attend recovery meetings, treatment sessions, and other important parts of their recovery process.” The program began June 9, 2025, and will run through June 30, 2026, as a one-year pilot project. EIPH allocated Idaho opioid settlement funds to GIFT to cover transportation costs for individuals seeking treatment and recovery services for opioid use disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders or mental health conditions.
The program provides free transportation to multiple treatment and recovery facilities in Idaho Falls. Participating locations include the Behavioral Health Crisis Center, Brick House Recovery, Center for Hope, District 7 Treatment, Full Spectrum Psychology, Ideal Option, and Stewards of Recovery. Free transportation is also provided to Eastern Idaho Public Health’s main office for individuals seeking public health services during the pilot project.
People participating in recovery or treatment services at any of the participating locations are encouraged to contact their case manager, counselor, or peer support representative to learn how to access transportation services. The program’s design reflects recognition that treatment access depends not only on the existence of services but also on the ability to physically reach them. By removing transportation costs and logistical barriers, the initiative aims to improve treatment engagement and recovery outcomes in Eastern Idaho during the pilot period.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://localnews8.com/news/2025/06/09/new-rides-to-recovery-program-offers-vital-transportation-for-addiction-and-mental-health-treatment-in-idaho-falls/