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Longtime Nurse assistant Roosevelt Tinker saw an opportunity to help disabled and elderly residents in Dallas County. 

Hours after Tinker opened Preferred NEMT LLC on Tuesday, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, sponsored by the Selma and Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. Preferred NEMT provides services for hospitals, kidney dialysis, nursing homes, schools, private doctors and rehabilitation. They also drive the elderly and disabled to the doctor, grocery store or anywhere needed for a fee. Daily hours are between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. seven days a week. 

Tinker, who works at Park Place, said his late parents and in-laws motivated him to start the business. He’s been a nursing assistant for 30 years.

“It’s near and dear to my heart,” Tinker said. “My parents and in-laws struggled to get transportation to the doctor. Without caregiving, I wouldn’t be in Selma. The Lord led me to Selma. We work together to get the job done.”

Bryon Evans attended the ceremony as a representative of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Selma, and said Preferred NEMT is exactly what the area needs.

Here’s the pricing fees: ambulatory services ($40 weekdays, $45 weekends), additional mileage rates ($3 per mile weekdays, $5 weekends), deadhead mileage over 15 miles ($1.50 weekdays, $2.50 weekends), wait time costs per 30 minutes ($15 weekdays, $20 weekends),  additional attendant costs ($5 weekdays, $10 weekends), caregiver ($25 an hour weekdays, $27 per hour weekends).

A $25 fee will be charged if no one cancels 24 hours in advance. Anyone needing services can call 334-267-5276.