Transportation is a key barrier to accessing health care for many underserved populations. In order to facilitate better access to patients struggling to receive quality health care, community health centers (CHCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) are tasked with providing a wide range of enabling services, including transportation solutions. Yet, this task can prove difficult, requiring extensive staffing and financial resources.
In order to address the need for viable transportation models, Health Outreach Partners (HOP) launched a three-year project funded by the Kresge Foundation. Through this project, HOP identified and investigated six case study organizations that are addressing transportation as a barrier in innovative ways. Case study examples are from CHC’s and CBO’s in rural, suburban and urban communities across the county, and transportation models include: collaboration with local airlines and regional transit authorities; volunteer-driver based programs; mobile health units; telehealth; private-public partnerships; fixed bus routes; and clinic operated door-to-door shuttle services.
During this webinar, HOP and invited panelists from several organizations featured in the project will discuss transportation as an access barrier, highlight best practices and considerations for replication, and discuss next steps, including policy recommendations. Panelists include representatives from the following health centers:
-- Finger Lakes Community Health Center (NY)
-- Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services (HA)
-- Morton Health Services (OK)