DETROIT – Last November, the March of Dimes awarded the state of Michigan a “D+” for its efforts to safeguard the health of pregnant women and babies because the state’s infant mortality rate is above the national average. And the infant mortality rate in the city of Detroit is notably higher than the overall rate for Michigan with large racial disparities.
“For every 1,000 babies born in our city, 14 babies die before their first birthday,” said Detroit Public Health Officer Denise Far Razo at a press conference at Wayne Health on Mack Avenue on Monday.
From 2013 to 2019, the infant mortality rate for Black infants in Detroit got worse while the infant mortality rate for white infants improved, according to the Michigan Department of Health.
Related: Michigan launches ‘SOS Maternity Network’ to address maternal and infant deaths
In response to these statistics, the Mayor of Detroit along with the Detroit Health Department has announced a new “Rides to Care” program -- offering free roundtrip rides to doctor visits for all new and expectant Detroit mothers and their families.
“If you are pregnant or within a year of having the baby, you get a free ride for all of your doctor and medical visits because you live in Detroit,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan.
According to a spokeswoman for the city of Detroit, the new initiative will give “Detroit residents who are pregnant, and anyone who takes care of an infant up to one year of age will receive free transportation to and from prenatal and postpartum doctor visits, plus one year of pediatric appointment for the baby.”
An earlier version of the newly launched program has already been having an impact on new mothers in Detroit.
“I haven’t missed any appointments,” said 18-year-old mother Anastasia Lewis, who gave birth to a healthy baby girl about a year ago. “I get to them all on time.”
In addition, the program is designed to “combat the significant transportation challenges Detroiters are facing, and provide safe and reliable rides within the city of Detroit and surrounding area (up to five miles).
To book a free ride, call the city’s call center at 313-876-0000. The call center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will need to provide their name, contact information, home address and the address of your doctor to schedule. Rides can be scheduled up to one hour before appointment or a week in advance. Rides will be available anytime during normal clinic hours.
