Aetna Supports Volunteer Drivers

New Growth Transit is proud to recognize and thank Aetna Better Health of Missouri, a CVS Health company, for a generous investment in rural transportation and community health.

Aetna Better Health of Missouri recently provided $10,000 in funding to New Growth Transit. The impact of this support is immediate and meaningful. It helps strengthen the volunteer driver network through training and coordination—ensuring drivers are prepared and rides remain available for those who depend on them.

For many rural residents, accessing care isn’t simple. Residents must overcome the challenge of long distances to reach medical care, often traveling 24 to 72 miles one way. Limited transportation options and gaps in local services add to that challenge, especially for those who can’t drive themselves. This funding directly addresses those barriers, helping more individuals and families get the care they need.

“Our volunteer drivers often make the difference between a person getting the care they need or going without,” said Kelly Ast, Chief Mobility Officer for New Growth Transit. “The support from Aetna helps us provide quality training and strengthen a program that so many rural residents rely on.”

For riders like Dean Kneller, that support can be life-changing.

“Without New Growth Transit, I would have missed critical treatments,” Kneller shared. “The volunteers don’t just provide rides—they provide people a chance to stay healthy.”

This kind of partnership reflects a shared commitment to healthier communities. By investing in local solutions, Aetna Better Health of Missouri is helping ensure rural residents are not left behind when it comes to accessing care and support.  

New Growth Transit extends sincere thanks to Aetna Better Health of Missouri for this generous contribution and for recognizing the vital role transportation plays in connecting people to health, independence, and opportunity.

If you’d like to partner with us to provide this lifeline for residents in your community, consider supporting New Growth Transit with a donation or sponsorship. We’re happy to designate significant gifts by location, destination, or area of interest.

All contributions are welcome and make a difference.

Every $300 supports the recruitment and training of one volunteer driver.
Every $1,000 reimburses mileage for more than 1,400 miles of rides.

Donate online, call 417-283-7991, or email transportation@wcmcaa.org to get involved.

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