(November, 2009 - Cincinnati, Ohio) Deaconess Associations Foundation, in partnership with the Vision Coalition, has recently signed on as the 14th affiliate of the Independent Transportation Network®, known as ITNAmerica®. Trained volunteers help older adults remain independent by driving them to appointments, shopping or even out for lunch. A membership program with a pre-paid transportation account, ITN is a door-through-door service which includes help with steps and packages, heavy doors and walkers. Now in its fourteenth year, ITN recreates the comfort and convenience of private auto ownership and will supplement existing transportation system in Greater Cincinnati.

"Deaconess has long been associated with services for the older adult," says Pat Ward, Executive Director of the Deaconess Associations Foundation. "Deaconess focus groups indicated that transportation ranks as the number one issue for older adults. They want to remain active without inconveniencing relatives and friends. Studies pointed to ITNAmerica as a solution. Coincidentally, members of the Vision Coalition were also studying ITN, and it made sense to work together to offer this service to Cincinnati."

ITNAmerica was founded by Katherine Freund, who has been named "one of the twelve people who are changing you retirement" by the Wall Street Journal. In 1988, Freund's three-year-old son was struck by a car and was almost killed. The driver was 84 years old. Freund became dedicated to identifying an alternative to driving that older people would find attractive and that would approximate what they are giving up. Since its inception with ITNPortland, the volunteer-driven transportation system has expanded to thirteen sites in seven states. Cincinnati will be the fourteenth affiliate, and the only affiliate in Ohio.

As an introduction to ITNGreaterCincinnati, a Vital Signs Forum is being sponsored by Deaconess Associations Foundation on December 9 to discuss the impact transportation and mobility issues have on the community. Professionals engaged in serving the senior sector or the visually impaired are invited to attend the breakfast at the Kingsgate Marriott.

Deaconess Associations Foundation is a member of Deaconess Associations, a multifaceted healthcare corporation which owns and operates one acute care hospital, twenty-three long term care facilities and The Heimlich Institute.