Detroit Launches Free Rides for New Mothers

Detroit has launched the 'Rides to Care' program, providing free transportation for pregnant women and new mothers to prenatal and postpartum medical appointments, addressing significant barriers posed by unreliable public transport in the city. Funded at $1.2 million and developed in partnership with Uber Health, this initiative aims to combat high infant mortality rates, particularly among Black infants, who face a mortality rate three times higher than white infants. The program allows eligible residents to receive rides to healthcare appointments within five miles of Detroit, benefiting mothers for up to a year post-birth. Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo emphasized that transportation is a critical social determinant of health, stating that missed appointments lead to adverse health outcomes. Mayor Mike Duggan highlighted that the program is a vital step toward improving maternal and infant health in a city where 14 out of every 1,000 babies do not survive their first year. The initiative is open to any pregnant woman or caregiver of an infant under one year old, reinforcing the city's commitment to enhancing health access for vulnerable populations.