• Detroit Health Department program offers women who are pregnant, babies and caregivers free transportation to and from doctor appointments up to 1 year after child is born
• Service plays a critical role in reducing health disparities and improving outcomes for Detroit mothers and children
• New & expectant mothers in Detroit can call 313-876-0000 to take advantage of free service
• Rides are available within a five-mile radius
   

The Detroit Health Department proudly announces that its Rides to Care service has provided over 10,000 free rides to women who are pregnant and caregivers of infants under one year old for non-emergency medical appointments.

Rides to Care is a key part of the department’s commitment to improving maternal and infant health by ensuring families have reliable transportation to prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric care. The service plays a critical role in reducing health disparities and improving outcomes across Detroit communities.

"New mothers who live in Detroit have a special advantage," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "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 service consistently demonstrates the vital impact reliable transportation has on the health and well-being of mothers and infants. As the department expands access to care, Rides to Care serves as a powerful reminder that a safe ride to medical appointments can make a lasting difference in a child’s health and future.

“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,” said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo. “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.”

Cayla Hooks, a SisterFriends Detroit client who uses Rides to Care, said, “Rides to Care has helped me tremendously. Sometimes I have been down and out and not able to get to my medical appointments, and I really needed this support behind me. It’s really boosted my spirits knowing that someone is here to help me and that this group of people and organization has my back.”

Rides to Care is available through the Detroit Health Department in partnership with Uber Health, a HIPAA-enabled platform that provides non-emergency medical transportation.

Who is eligible for Rides to Care?

Any expectant mother who is a Detroit resident

• Any mother/primary caregiver/guardian who is a resident of Detroit with an infant child
  (up to 1 year of age)
• Post-partum visits for a mother up to one year following birth

What types of health care visits qualify for free transportation?

• Prenatal: Healthcare appointments to help keep you and your baby healthy
  during your pregnancy
• Postpartum: Rides to healthcare appointments for up to one year following the
  birth of your child
• Newborn pediatric: Up to your baby’s first birthday to help your baby stay healthy

How do I book free roundtrip transportation to my doctor through Rides to Care?

• Call the Rides to Care call center at 313-876-0000
  • Call Center hours are Monday-Friday from 8 AM-6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM-2 PM
  • You will need to provide your name, contact information, home address and the address of your doctor to schedule
  • Rides can be scheduled up to one hour before the appointment or a week in advance.
  • Pick up times will be scheduled based on the time of your appointment. Be sure to schedule enough time to get there
• Rides will be available anytime during normal clinic hours