As we age, there can come a time when we need transportation help, whether it’s because we can no longer operate a vehicle ourselves or because we’re physically in need of assistance.

This is where Logisticare, a non-emergency medical transportation company, can be your lifeline. Jody McLaws, the owner of Logisticare here in Blackfoot, can assist.

Jody has lived in Blackfoot most of his life, attending school here and then joining the Army, where he served for eight years operating heavy artillery. Upon retiring from the service (thank you), he moved to Las Vegas, where he worked in the tourism and hospitality industry, operating a limo service and a helicopter sightseeing operation. He spent 30 years there before returning to his roots in Blackfoot.

His passion for working with people and helping our local veterans was foremost in his mind. With that as a driving force, McLaws started Logisticare, just himself and one van. He set out to make connections with all the local hospitals, assisted living centers and other medical institutions to offer his services.

Because operating in this field with Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Affairs requires licensing, Jody established himself and the company to provide non-emergency transportation services. While approximately 70% of his business is covered by these agencies, 30% also comes from private pay, including hospice or home health agencies, and from individuals who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments.

Logisticare has grown into a regional transportation service with 12 vans, operating from Idaho Falls to Pocatello and Boise, and also transporting to Salt Lake City. They also offer wheelchair-accessible vans.

McLaws feels that involvement with the Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce and Bingham Healthcare has helped him establish his name and services in our area. Logisticare can provide transportation to or from the hospital or to a doctor’s appointment for patients without a way to get there.

They have developed so many wonderful relationships with their clients, and the clients become like family to them. Not only do they transport for medical needs, but they also give these individuals the human connection they may only have on rare occasions.

His staff is well trained, having completed a four-week course on working with clients that covers CPR, blood-borne pathogens and children with disabilities, as well as 13 other training sessions. They must also complete a six-month recertification program.

The drivers for Logisticare are well-dressed and respectful toward all their clients. Their vans are cleaned after each trip. McLaws is proud that these individuals have high retention and very little turnover. This not only provides the transportation their clients need but also fosters friendships with them.

They also offer a ride-share in Blackfoot only for those who need to pick up a prescription or go grocery shopping. Medical patients are the priority, but if available, they are also glad to provide this service.

One of the other services they provide is transporting special needs children to Camp Hippo, a daily camp located off Highway 39.

Jody believes in supporting our community as well. He helps sponsor the Music in the Park event each summer and the Easter Egg hunt hosted by the Chamber each year.

Kristine, Jody’s wife, manages the office and oversees daily operations while Jody is out with clients. They are proud to say that “service is the number one objective,” and their top-notch service demonstrates this.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., by appointment only; and closed on Sunday unless it is an emergency. They can be reached at 208-789-0508 or 208-346-2612. You can also leave a text message. They are on Facebook at Logisticare Transportation LLC.