engAGE with Heart, a community health program addressing cardiovascular health and healthy aging in East and West Baltimore, today announced a new partnership with Uber to provide free rides to help program participants access health and community services across Baltimore.
The initiative will support community members in reaching screenings, doctor appointments, healthy food and their medications – addressing transportation as a social determinant of health. Community Health Ambassadors (CHAs), who serve as trusted connectors between residents and resources, will be able to leverage the partnership to better support their neighborhoods. engAGE with Heart predominantly serves residents in the 21206, 20215, and 21217 zip codes.
“This partnership with Uber represents the importance of investing in the health of our communities and recognizing that healthcare depends not only on what happens within the four walls of a clinic or hospital but also what doesn’t happen because care too often can’t be accessed,” said Mike Hodin, CEO, Global Coalition on Aging, “along with our corporate sponsor, Novartis, we welcome Uber as a partner in transforming the health paradigm for underserved communities in Baltimore.”
“At Uber, we believe transportation shouldn’t be a barrier to receiving care,” said Briana Gilmore, Head of Global Accessibility policy at Uber and Baltimore resident. “By combining Uber’s technology with the deep community trust that engAGE with Heart has built, we are creating new pathways to health equity and long-term well-being.”
The program has seen high rates of success following initial launch. “Our partnership with Uber is already transforming the way our community members access care,” said Rhonda Scott, Community Health Ambassador with engAGE with Heart and a longtime Baltimore resident.
“Something as simple as a five-minute car ride can mean getting to a doctor’s appointment on time, picking up medication, or finally saying yes to a screening they’ve been putting off. It’s making a real difference.”
The collaboration lays the groundwork for an ongoing relationship between engAGE with Heart and Uber, bringing innovative mobility solutions to underserved communities.
About engAGE with Heart
engAGE with Heart is a community-based health program dedicated to improving cardiovascular health and overall wellness in Baltimore, Maryland. Developed for and with the communities of Baltimore, engAGE brings together families, churches, senior centers and community partners to support heart health. engAGE with Heart is led by the Global Coalition on Aging and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Media Contact
Danny O’Keefe
Dokeefe@globalcoalitiononaging.com