Written by: Atesa McKinney, Mobility Manager

In today’s interconnected world, the need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions has become increasingly critical. Transportation is of utmost importance to the aging population, as it enhances their mobility, provides access to essential services, promotes social engagement, and preserves their independence.

Recognizing the significance of transportation for seniors and investing in accessible and reliable transportation options is crucial for supporting their overall well-being and ensuring their active participation in society. To address these challenges, many organizations are turning to partnerships as a means to enhance connectivity and improve overall efficiency. Transportation partnerships involve collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, non-profit, organizations, and community groups.

By pooling resources, expertise, and infrastructure, these partnerships aim to create integrated and seamless transportation systems that benefit everyone involved.

In the Jackson Metropolitan area, the collaboration between Jackson Medical Mall Foundation (JMMF), the City of Jackson’s Human and Cultural Services Division, and Bolivar County Council on Aging, Inc. (BCCOA Transit) is a great example of a successful partnership. The partnership between these organizations played a crucial role in connecting people, goods, and services.

It has provided the City of Jackson’s aging community with the means to move around freely, allowing them opportunities to attend social gatherings, visit family and friends, participate in community events, and access to healthcare thereby helping them maintain social connections and prevent feelings of loneliness.

By facilitating mobility, transportation helps seniors maintain an active lifestyle and participate in activities that contribute to their physical and mental well-being. One of the most recent updates to the program has been the unveiling of new BCCOA Transit vehicles that will be utilized in the Aging program.

Through the partnership with the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) Public Transit Division, BCCOA Transit has been able to update its current fleet with smaller, more efficient vehicles. BCCOA Transit Executive Director, LaShonda McKinney acknowledged that “This is a team effort.

BCCOA Transit and all our partners have worked on this project for years to make sure that our City of Jackson’s aging community has access to goods and services while experiencing exemplary customer service on a comfortable vehicle. The new design reflects our commitment to changing the face of Community Transportation in the State of Mississippi.”

Primus Wheeler, Executive Director of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation echoed Ms. McKinney’s sentiments, “We partnered with Bolivar County Council on Aging to share our mission to add value to the communities we serve. Together we can enrich the community by connecting the citizens to care, but also creating a community of transportation.

The citizens of the metro area are excited about the partnership opportunities between the City of Jackson’s Human and Cultural Services Division, BCCOA Transit, and JMMF.” BCCOA is committed to continuing to be a trailblazer when it comes to sustainability and innovative approaches to increasing accessibility, and its commitment to Mississippi’s progressive reputation of providing safe, affordable transportation.