(Schenectady, NY)  Schenectady residents will have increased access to quality health care thanks to a unique partnership between Ellis Medicine and MVP Health Care.  With underwriting from MVP Health Care, Ellis Medicine’s community shuttle will make regular trips around the city of Schenectady and bring patients to Ellis Medicine’s McClellan Street Health Center, Ellis Hospital and Bellevue Woman’s Center.

            The Ellis-MVP Community Shuttle makes twice daily stops at six locations in the community: the YMCA (845 Broadway), the YWCA (44 Washington Ave.), the Salvation Army (222 Lafayette St.), Bethesda House (418 Liberty St.), Schenectady Community Action Program (913 Albany St.) and Hometown Health (1044 State St.).  The shuttle brings patients to both Ellis McClellan Street Health Care (600 McClellan Street) and Ellis Hospital (1101 Nott Street) Mondays through Fridays.  On Wednesdays, the shuttle also goes to Bellevue Woman’s Center.

“The MVP-Ellis shuttle removes another barrier to health care for our community.  With the help of MVP Health Care, we’re able to provide reliable and consistent transportation to those in the community who may otherwise struggle to get to a doctor or other health care professional.  We are very thankful to MVP for their leadership in this project, as we work together to ensure the wellness of our community.” said Ellis Medicine CEO Paul Milton.

            The community shuttle program has been in place since 2009, and MVP’s sponsorship is funding the operational costs of the service to enable the program to continue serving residents of Schenectady. The vehicle also has a new “wrap” that illustrates the MVP-Ellis shared goal of promoting a healthy community.

            “MVP Health Care is very proud to sponsor the community shuttle program that will benefit the people of Schenectady,” said MVP Health Care President and CEO Denise Gonick.  “Our vision and commitment is to help build healthier communities.  Underwriting this shuttle is just one example of how MVP Health Care embraces opportunities to partner with organizations that enhance access to quality health care and services.”

            The City Mission of Schenectady helped facilitate much of the program and publicizes it within Schenectady’s most needy communities.  “The Ellis-MVP community shuttle is an example of going the extra mile on behalf of people in poverty.  The shuttle is a service that not only demonstrates compassion: it helps produce better health outcomes for individuals and the community.  It is a great investment and is greatly appreciated,” said Michael Saccocio, executive director of the City Mission of Schenectady.

“We’re grateful to both MVP and Ellis for their cooperation to put this program in place for the residents of Schenectady,” said Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.  “Having two of our largest health care institutions working together to ensure that more people can get access to quality health care is a testament to their leadership and I thank them for their commitment to our community.”

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Ellis Medicine is a 438-bed community and teaching healthcare system serving New York’s Capital Region. With three campuses – Ellis Hospital, Ellis Health Center and Bellevue Woman’s Center – Ellis Medicine provides a lifetime of care for patients.  Follow Ellis Medicine on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.  Learn more at www.ellismedicine.org.

MVP Health Care is a nationally recognized, community-focused, not-for-profit health insurer serving more than 700,000 members in New York and Vermont. Committed to the complete well-being of its members, MVP provides the tools and information they need to achieve better health and peace of mind. For more information, visit www.mvphealthcare.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mvphealthcare, and on Twitter at @MVPHealthCare.