Rides to Care Marks 20,000 Free Rides for Detroit Mothers

December 17, 2025

Detroit's Health Department launched the Rides to Care program one year ago to address transportation barriers preventing pregnant women and new mothers from accessing essential healthcare appointments. The initiative has now provided over 20,000 free round-trip rides to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric appointments for pregnant residents, new mothers, caregivers, and infants under one year old. Operating Monday through Saturday, the service eliminates transportation costs and scheduling difficulties that historically caused families to miss critical medical visits in a city with significant maternal and infant health disparities.

Who is affected

Pregnant Detroit residents
New mothers (up to one year postpartum)
Primary caregivers of infants
Infants up to one year old
Margarie Isbell and her daughter Heaven (specific client example)
SisterFriends Detroit clients
Detroit families facing transportation, healthcare access, and financial stability challenges

What action is being taken

The Detroit Health Department is providing free round-trip rides to prenatal, postnatal, and pediatric appointments
The service is operating Monday through Saturday
Transportation is being offered to healthcare providers within the city and up to five miles beyond
The city is scheduling rides through its call center for same-day or advance bookings (up to one week)
Mayor Mike Duggan and Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo are highlighting the program's impact and gathering with new mothers and babies

Why it matters

This program addresses a critical barrier that has historically prevented Detroit mothers from accessing essential healthcare during pregnancy and their child's first year. Transportation challenges have caused families to miss medical appointments that are vital for preventing complications during pregnancy, improving postpartum support, and ensuring pediatric follow-up care. In a city with significant maternal and infant health disparities reflecting longstanding inequities, reliable transportation becomes life-saving support that enables healthier pregnancies, safer infant outcomes, and reduces the mental burden on vulnerable mothers who are already navigating multiple challenges including financial strain and health complications.

What's next

Rides to Care continues to grow and expand access as Detroit families navigate rising costs and health challenges. Residents can schedule rides by calling the Rides to Care call center at 313-876-0000 or visiting detroitmi.gov/RidesToCare for more information.

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle