Reducing Health Disparities through Enhanced Mobility Support and Access

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Abstract Transportation is a major factor impacting the upstream social determinants of health, yet the system in the United States is fragmented and inefficient for those seeking healthcare services within the inner-city and who depend on public transit. This includes individuals who are unable to drive, afford a personal vehicle and are forced to rely on public transit, which is often unreliable and poses health or safety concerns. The result is a lack of access to health resources including preventive and routine followup care. Research demonstrates a lack of transportation has negative consequences on access to healthcare. However, research examining the effect of a comprehensive transportation intervention on overall health is missing. To fill this gap Feonix - Mobility Rising, and its partners, advocate for the implementation of Transportation Assistance Hubs (TAH) in Dallas, Texas and Detroit, Michigan. A TAH includes the deployment of Mobility as a Service, a mobility wallet, and debit card, which will work similarly to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that is used for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The TAH also includes a Mobility Navigator who provides riders assistance to optimize their transportation budget and support using new modes of transportation. The aim of the project is to show that by providing access to transportation and support in navigating resources, riders will experience improvements in health and well-being. This project will focus on individuals with less privileged socioeconomic status and racial and ethnic minority groups in communities of persistent poverty and Justice40-identified disadvantaged communities.