Detroit’s Initiative to Support New Mothers and Infants: Free Transportation for Medical Appointments
In a remarkable effort to bridge healthcare gaps and support maternal and infant health, the Detroit Health Department has unveiled its Rides to Care program. This initiative has so far facilitated over 10,000 free rides for pregnant women and caregivers of infants, ensuring they reach their non-emergency medical appointments without hassle.
Rides to Care is integral to the department’s strategy to enhance health outcomes by providing essential transportation for prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric visits. This service is pivotal in addressing health disparities and fostering improved health outcomes in Detroit’s communities.
Mayor Mike Duggan emphasized the significance of this service, stating, “New mothers who live in Detroit have a special advantage. They have guaranteed free transportation to all their prenatal and well-baby visits up to one year after their child is born. Thanks to the Rides to Care service, we are giving thousands of Detroit children their best chance for a healthy start to life.”
The program highlights the crucial role of transportation in ensuring the health and wellness of both mothers and their children. As access to care expands, Rides to Care exemplifies how a simple ride to a medical appointment can significantly impact a child’s health trajectory.
Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo remarked, “This milestone reflects our deep commitment to ensuring that every mother and every baby in Detroit has access to the care they need to thrive. Rides to Care is more than just transportation, it’s about breaking down barriers, building trust, and creating healthier futures for our families. The service helps more patients get to their appointments by providing the reliable transportation they need to protect and support their family’s health. We’re proud of this progress and will continue advancing our efforts to ensure every Detroiter, no matter their zip code, has access to the care they deserve.”
The program, in collaboration with Uber Health, a HIPAA-enabled platform, provides non-emergency medical transportation, further ensuring that Detroit’s mothers and infants receive the necessary care.
Eligibility for the Rides to Care Program
The service is available to:
- Pregnant women residing in Detroit.
- Mothers, primary caregivers, or guardians living in Detroit with an infant up to one year old.
- Mothers requiring postpartum care within the first year after childbirth.
Qualified Health Care Visits for Free Transportation
- Prenatal appointments to maintain the health of both mother and baby.
- Postpartum visits for up to a year following childbirth.
- Newborn pediatric care up to the infant’s first birthday.
Booking Free Transportation with Rides to Care
- Contact the Rides to Care call center at 313-876-0000.
- Operating hours are Monday-Friday, 8 AM-6 PM, and Saturday, 8 AM-2 PM.
- Provide your name, contact details, home address, and the doctor’s address for scheduling.
- Rides can be booked up to an hour before the appointment or a week in advance.
- Pick-up times align with appointment schedules, ensuring ample time for arrival.
For more information, please visit the Detroit Health Department website.
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