Health & Mobility

Why We Started This Work

Call from a Neighbor

"The Nursing-Transportation Partnership began with a simple but powerful moment: a neighbor shared that he couldn’t visit his wife in the hospital because he was afraid to drive home in the dark. That conversation opened my eyes to a deeper, widespread problem.

I kept hearing from older adults who were canceling medical appointments—not because they didn’t want to go, but because they had no way to get there. They didn’t know who to call, lived far from family, and many were hesitant to ask for help."

Bet Key Wong, Project Lead

Transportation and Access to Care

In Delaware, the 2023 Statewide Coordinated Human Services Transportation Plan and multiple Community Health Needs Assessments (Bayhealth, Beebe, and ChristianaCare) cite lack of transportation as a top barrier to medical care and social participation for older adults.

In rural areas of Delaware, like Sussex County, this problem is amplified by low population density and service gaps in fixed-route transit.

Cost of Unmet Needs

Missed medical appointments, delayed preventive care
Increased risk of social isolation and mental health issues
Higher emergency room utilization and hospitalizations

🚶Improving Health through a Mobility Lens

🚗 Nursing-Transportation Partnership

Connecting older adults to rides through Uber Health and local resources. Supports those living alone or unaware of available options.

We also assist with DART Paratransit applications, offer guidance on how to use DART services, and help people navigate their transportation choices.

Currently developing a Transportation AI Agent using OpenAI technology to support care coordinators in matching rides, assisting with paratransit access, and delivering transportation solutions — all in one call.

🤝 Delaware Health & Mobility Alliance

A statewide effort to make transportation a central part of health equity—through collaboration and advocacy.

We partner with the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) Coalition to advance transportation as a recognized social determinant of health and drive systems-level change.

🦶 Neighborhood Foot Care Patrol™

Mobile foot screenings and education for older adults and vulnerable neighbors—focused on prevention, dignity, and early detection. 👉 Learn more here

🚗 Voices from the Road: Transportation Testimonials

“Thank you for all you do!”

— A neighbor who needed critical surgical care two counties away

“May God bless and watch over all of you. Your organization is wonderful.”

— A veteran receiving care through the VA

“Thank you for this wonderful service which is so badly needed in Sussex County.”

— A neighbor who needed surgery 40 miles away

“Thank you for all the help you have given me...”

— A caregiver managing a health crisis at home

“What a wonderful service you offer. I’m so grateful to have found such a helpful resource for futur

— An adult daughter caring for elderly parents

Health & Mobility Partners & Supporters