Transportation Challenges and working with Native Populations Jordan Lyons, Housing Coordinator Missoula AIDS Council (406)543-4770 Jordan@MissoulaAIDSCouncil.org
Lots of reasons to love Montana... ...a great transportation network isn't one of them photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/josephsparks/246779100/
Western Montana Service Area
Transportation Challenges • Scarcity of public transit options • Not much passenger rail, Greyhound, or regional airline service • Cold weather can be a barrier to alternative transportation
Cars (and Trucks) Necessary for many rural clients to reach care, run errands, or enjoy the area's recreation opportunities, but they pose risks: • Hazards such as mountain passes, wildlife, poorly lit roads, and weather events (snow, ice, wind, rain) • Long, rural commutes often result in speeding (and speeding tickets) • Financial or functional barriers to maintaining license and registration • Likelihood of DUI for clients with drug or alcohol issues These risks have implications for clients' health and safety, their insurance rates, and the lifespan of their vehicles.
Transportation for Service Providers Site visits for rural service providers pose a number of challenges: • The cost of travel is increasing. • Time out of the office means a loss of productivity. • It's difficult to really know what's going on with a client you only see face-to-face once a year.
Transportation Solutions • Clients hitchhike Improvising • Clients barter, exchange rides for labor or gas money • Service providers assist financially with bus Direct passes, gas, licensing, insurance, car repairs, Services etc. • Organizing carpools • Improving technology and affordability of Managing communication Need • Partnering with local agencies, sharing information • Securing income for clients (jobs, disability)
Working with Clients Living on Native American Reservations Challenges and solutions for service provision
Native American communities may have distinct assets to clients, and/or may impose barriers Strengths Challenges Rich cultural traditions and history Low cultural competence among service providers, maybe stigma or homophobia among community members. Tight-knit families and supportive Little privacy, or perception of communities privacy Services such as Indian Health Difficulty knowing what is available, Services, Tribal LIEAP who is eligible for what, quality of services
Improving case management for Native clients • Research and increase your knowledge and understanding of Native American populations in your area. • Network with Native American service providers and other leaders in your community. • Remember that each person has her or his own experiences, beliefs, values, opinions and personality.
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