Care Ring's patients will have one less obstacle to accessing care, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Health Access Fund of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), a community development financial institution that supports community development initiatives across the country.
In partnership with Uber, PayPal and Walgreens, LISC created the Health Access Fund to advance health equity by addressing transportation barriers to accessing health care and other essential services. Care Ring is one of 21 community-based organizations to receive a grant through the Health Access Fund, which aims to reduce health disparities in underserved communities, particularly for people of color living on low incomes.
Care Ring will use the grant award to help transport patients and clients to health-related appointments via rides with Uber Health. The rides can also be used for needs such as to get to the grocery store and to the pharmacy.
Care Ring patient Anner Contreras Herrera (pictured above) was one of the first participants to use the new service. He said, "I am very grateful for this program because I did not have reliable transportation, and I have a medical condition that requires me to go to many medical appointments. I was very sad {before I learned of the program} because I was scheduled with almost weekly appointments, and I was going to bed at night thinking, ‘How am I going to make my appointments? I do not have transportation, my friends work, and I do not have the financial means to pay for transportation.’ Sometimes I was almost begging someone to take me to my doctor’s visit and I did not want to miss them because they are very important to my health. When I heard of the Uber ride program, I was almost in tears and thanked God for Care Ring because this program is amazing; the drivers come on time, they are kind and reliable, and they take me back home safely. I want to say to Care Ring thank you for always thinking and caring for us.”
"Sometimes, all you need is a ride."
“Sometimes, all you need is a ride. It’s just that simple. As a trusted community-based organization, we have a deepened understanding of the barriers that often prevent our most vulnerable patients from accessing health care. Transportation is often one of the most common found. We are grateful for LISC’s acknowledgement and responsiveness to this need, and happily welcome this new partnership opportunity. We are confident that the impact of this joint venture will be immediate and powerful for our patients,” said Tchernavia Montgomery, Executive Director at Care Ring.
“We have had the pleasure of working with Care Ring to access funding and strengthen the excellent work they are leading in providing accessible health care and health-related services for those with lower incomes,” said Ralphine Caldwell, Executive Director of LISC Charlotte. “Care Ring has and continues to offer thoughtful, pertinent and accessible services that are critical to an individual's quality of life. We appreciate this partnership in building a community where everyone can live well.”
The unseen health factors: Social Determinants of Health
Care Ring provides access to comprehensive healthcare services for low-income, under/uninsured Mecklenburg County residents through our Access to Care and Maternal-Child Health programs, including preventive care, specialty care, nurse home visitation, and community health worker support. Central to Care Ring’s success is our attention to Social Determinants of Health, which are socio-economic factors (food/housing insecurity, financial stability, safety, education, and transportation/language barriers, etc.) that are typically outside the scope of care for most clinical providers. Our multidisciplinary and multicultural care team screen and assess the patients/clients we serve and refer those with exceptional healthcare and/or socio-economic needs for case management interventions.
LISC recognizes and takes aim at structural racism and related barriers to health equity as a core part of its comprehensive community development work. By addressing transportation barriers through the Health Access Fund, patients and clients will now have improved access to Care Ring healthcare services and activities that address social determinants of their health, building a more resilient and inclusive community of opportunity in Charlotte.
No more worries
“My name is Miriam Barahona De Torres. I am thankful for the Care Ring {Uber rides program}. It is very helpful. I was anxious sometimes trying to find someone to take me to doctors’ visits, and sometimes my son or my husband had to miss work to take me. I do not drive and it was difficult for me to find transportation other than my son and my husband. When I was told of this new program, I called Care Ring and I was able to get my transportation with Uber Health coordinated very quickly. I just completed my first ride to my doctor’s appointment last week, and the driver came on time and picked me up from my appointment on time. It was a good experience. I do not have to be worried any more to go to my medical visits, and I have no words to express my gratitude to Care Ring to find great programs to benefit us. God bless you."
Getting a ride
The free Uber rides will be available until the funding is exhausted. New and existing patients can initiate scheduling a ride by calling 704-926-9270.
About LISC Charlotte
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) committed to comprehensive community development, including investing capital and resources into small businesses, economic development, affordable housing, health & safety, sports & recreation, and education, as well as building the capacity of non-profit partners. Since opening its office in March 2019, LISC Charlotte has invested over $60M in Charlotte in partnership with the city, philanthropic leaders, corporations, community residents and organizations. For more, visit lisc.org/charlotte.
Thank you to our partners:
Thank you Media Partners
Thank you to La Noticia for sharing about this new initiative with their Spanish-speaking audience. READ THE STORY.
Thank you to QCity Metro for sharing with their audience. READ THE STORY.