Detroit Health Department Celebrates 20,000 Free Rides for Expectant Mothers and Caregivers
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Detroit Health Department has successfully provided over 20,000 free rides to pregnant women and caregivers of infants, significantly enhancing access to critical healthcare services across the city. This program, which launched a year ago, highlights the city’s commitment to reducing transportation hurdles and promoting healthier outcomes for families.
Mayor Mike Duggan and Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo recently celebrated this milestone with new mothers and their babies. Launched in November 2024, the Rides to Care program offers complimentary transportation for pregnant women and caregivers of infants up to one year old, facilitating trips to both prenatal and postnatal appointments.
The service, which operates from Monday to Saturday, extends its reach to healthcare providers within Detroit and up to five miles outside the city, effectively removing a significant barrier to healthcare access. “Every one of these rides means a Detroit mom and baby is getting the care they need to stay healthy. Hitting 20,000 rides shows just how well this program is working,” said Mayor Duggan.
Client Spotlight: Margarie Isbell
Margarie Isbell, a participant in the SisterFriends Detroit program, has been a beneficiary of the Rides to Care service. Following several miscarriages, including one due to a delayed transportation service, Margarie experienced a high-risk pregnancy with her daughter, Heaven. Despite facing health challenges and personal loss, she has relied on the Rides to Care service since six months into her pregnancy and continues to use it for her daughter’s pediatric visits.
“The Rides to Care program has been a huge support for me mentally,” Margarie shared. “During my pregnancy, I was able to get to all my doctor appointments, and I still use the service to take Heaven to her pediatric appointments. It has been a weight lifted off my shoulders and such a great help, because I don’t have to worry about transportation and I can now sleep.”
Who is Eligible for Rides to Care?
- Any expectant mother who is a Detroit resident
- Any mother/primary caregiver/guardian who resides in Detroit with an infant child (up to 1 year of age)
- Post-partum visits for a mother up to one year following birth
Types of Qualifying Healthcare Visits
- Prenatal: Healthcare appointments to maintain health during pregnancy
- Postpartum: Visits for up to one year post-birth
- Newborn Pediatric: Appointments up to the baby’s first birthday
Booking a Ride
- Call the Rides to Care call center at (313) 876-0000
- Call Center hours: Monday-Friday from 8 AM-6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM-2 PM
- Provide your name, contact details, home address, and doctor’s address
- Rides can be booked up to an hour before or a week in advance
- Pick up times are scheduled based on appointment times
The success of Rides to Care lies in its dedication to providing timely and reliable transport for expectant mothers and caregivers. Surpassing the 20,000-rides mark underscores the program’s influence on enhancing maternal and infant health in Detroit.
For more information, call (313) 961-2229 or visit detroitmi.gov/RidesToCare.
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