Mayor Mike Duggan and Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo recently celebrated a significant milestone in Detroit's public health initiative. The city's Rides to Care program has successfully provided 20,000 free round-trip rides to doctor appointments for new and expectant Detroit mothers, their caregivers, and babies, as unveiled in a statement by the City of Detroit. Commencing a little over a year ago in November 2024, the program effectively eliminates transportation barriers to prenatal and postnatal healthcare for eligible residents.
Operating Monday through Saturday, the service extends its reach to healthcare providers within and up to five miles outside of Detroit city limits. Mayor Duggan expressed the profound effect of the initiative, stating, per the City of Detroit, “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.” The mayor emphasized the importance of consistent healthcare access, highlighting its impact on health outcomes and future well-being.
Among the program’s beneficiaries cited by the City of Detroit, Margarie Isbell is a notable example of the program's necessity and success. After enduring several miscarriages and personal loss, Isbell began using Rides to Care six months into her high-risk pregnancy and continues to use the service for her infant daughter's medical appointments. Margarie told the publication, “The Rides to Care program has been a huge support for me mentally. 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.”
Eligibility for Rides to Care includes any expectant mother who is a Detroit resident, any mother/primary caregiver/guardian with an infant child up to one year of age, and post-partum visits up to one year following birth. To book free round-trip transportation, residents can call the Rides to Care call center, providing the information required for scheduling rides to healthcare appointments. The Detroit Health Department plays an active role in connecting and supporting residents with the program as part of their drive to improve the health of Detroit families and bolster health equity across the city. For more information on the program, individuals can call (313) 961-2229 or visit the official website.
