The Important Work of STARS Dispatchers
The dispatcher role at Sisters Transportation and Ride Share is a crucial one. Dispatching can be done from anywhere there is internet service, as it is a remote volunteer position. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10-3, a volunteer answers calls of passengers who want to schedule a ride to a non-emergency medical appointment. They enroll new passengers, post rides to a user-friendly software program, and answer inquiries about our service. Like our volunteer drivers, they provide an important link to those in the community who can no longer drive.
Recently, dispatcher Rennie Morell booked 21 rides in one shift of taking calls. Rennie said, “I had the chance to chat with many passengers, and they all really needed our help. Worrying about rides (to non-emergency medical appointments) is often stressful for them, and dispatchers can hear it in their voice.”
When passengers call, we do need to let them know that we operate with volunteer drivers only, so we may not have enough volunteers to take their ride. In the event no drivers are available to take their ride, they may need to cancel or ask a friend to take them. Although STARS drivers can usually take all the rides, sometimes our dispatchers need to call the passengers and let them know that we cannot fulfill their ride.
We hate disappointing our passengers, but in this rapidly growing community of those who cannot drive themselves, we simply need more drivers. Passengers believe that drivers are heroes, and we agree with them. Every ride matters, and every driver matters, and every driver knows it. They continually report back about how gratifying it is for them.
If you think you can be the person who takes someone to their appointment, then consider becoming a STARS driver. Join our ranks of heroes. Our next training is on Oct 8th at 10:15 at the library. Go to https://www.starsride.org/drive-for-us and apply and come to our training. We will reimburse you for your mileage.
Sisters Transportation And Rides Share has the proud mission of “Keeping Sisters Healthy One Ride at a Time!”
