ARTICLE
LAKELAND (Oct. 20, 2025) – A newly formed Universal Access Program partnership between Citrus Connection and Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine will provide fare-free public transportation to the patients the organization serves. LVIM provides primary care services to the medically underserved and their families in the community. Patients now have a transportation component added to their list of benefits from LVIM. Patients can show the Citrus Connection bus operator their LVIM card and travel anywhere Citrus Connection buses go. The one-year pilot program will play a key role in patients in getting to the quality care LVIM provides. The partnership allows Citrus Connection and LVIM to empower the medically underserved of Polk County to live healthier lives by providing access to free, high-quality, comprehensive healthcare through a community of caring volunteers. The partnership will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at the LVIM office at 600 W Peachtree Street, Lakeland. “This partnership is an essential component to the patients who are receiving the high quality, affordable care LVIM provides,” said Citrus Connection General Manager Tom Phillips. “This is an amazing way we can continue to fulfill our mission to serving the needs of our community.” This is the third healthcare Universal Access Program partnership Citrus Connection has forged. UAPs are in place with Central Florida Health Care and Peace River Center. Citrus Connection has UAPs with large businesses, colleges and universities as well as providing fare-free service for all veterans. For additional information about Universal Access Programs and other Citrus Connection services, please visit Ridecitrus.com. ###
LAKELAND (Oct. 20, 2025) – A newly formed Universal Access Program partnership between Citrus Connection and Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine will provide fare-free public transportation to the patients the organization serves.
LVIM provides primary care services to the medically underserved and their families in the community. Patients now have a transportation component added to their list of benefits from LVIM. Patients can show the Citrus Connection bus operator their LVIM card and travel anywhere Citrus Connection buses go.
The one-year pilot program will play a key role in patients in getting to the quality care LVIM provides. The partnership allows Citrus Connection and LVIM to empower the medically underserved of Polk County to live healthier lives by providing access to free, high-quality, comprehensive healthcare through a community of caring volunteers.
The partnership will be celebrated Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 10 a.m. with a special ribbon cutting ceremony at the LVIM office at 600 W Peachtree Street, Lakeland.
“This partnership is an essential component to the patients who are receiving the high quality, affordable care LVIM provides,” said Citrus Connection General Manager Tom Phillips. “This is an amazing way we can continue to fulfill our mission to serving the needs of our community.”
This is the third healthcare Universal Access Program partnership Citrus Connection has forged. UAPs are in place with Central Florida Health Care and Peace River Center. Citrus Connection has UAPs with large businesses, colleges and universities as well as providing fare-free service for all veterans.
For additional information about Universal Access Programs and other Citrus Connection services, please visit Ridecitrus.com.
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