An article in QCity Metro describes the life-changing impact of LISC and Uber's partnership, the Health Access Fund, offering free rides to medical and other appointments that contribute to health and wellbeing. In Charlotte, NC, as in other cities where the Fund operates, rides are coordinated through locally rooted groups like Care Ring, a 70-year-old community organization that since March has been able to offer 2,600 rides to primary and specialist care appointments, food access points, case management meetings and much more.
The excerpt below was originally published by QCity Metro:
It’s not just a free ride; LISC fund helps lower barriers to health access
By Kerry Singe, QCity Metro
Anner Contreras Herrera’s medical condition requires that he see his health care providers regularly to maintain his health. But because he does not have reliable transportation. The Charlotte resident has spent nights worrying about how he would make it to his many appointments. Then he learned about an Uber rides program available through Care Ring.
Supported by a $200,000 grant from the Health Access Fund of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Care Ring provides free Uber rides for patients and clients like Herrera. According to Care Ring, the grant, awarded in March, has already helped provide more than 2,600 free rides, averaging 31 rides daily.
Before learning about the Care Ring program, Herrera said, “I was very sad 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.”
The free rides are just one way in which LISC, a national community development organization with an office in Charlotte, is helping local residents obtain health care, nutritious food, and safe homes.
LISC Charlotte’s support reaches far and wide
Care Ring is one of 27 community-based organizations that received grants from LISC’s Health Access Fund, which seeks to reduce health disparities in underserved communities.
The Health Access Fund, in turn, is just one avenue of support provided by LISC. Founded in 1979, LISC was envisioned as an intermediary connecting public and private resources to support underserved communities. Today, LISC is the nation’s largest community development organization and has 38 locations across the country. Nationally, the group has invested more than $24 billion in neighborhoods, people, housing, and entrepreneurs.
LISC Charlotte was formed in 2019 and is involved in a wide array of efforts to create stability and boost opportunity in Charlotte’s underserved communities.
“We work with residents and partners to really bridge the gap,” said Ralphine Caldwell, LISC Charlotte Executive Director. “We support the community through funding and technical assistance, and help with areas such as affordable housing, health, safety, sports and recreation and economic development — all the things that make up a great community.”