Part Two of the State of Southwest Baltimore Series will focus on another essential social driver of health – transportation. Transportation is defined as the availability and quality of transportation options that enable individuals to travel to work, school, healthcare facilities, and other essential services. Lack of reliable transportation can lead to delayed care for health issues, increased stress, and feelings of isolation, all of which negatively impact health outcomes. Inadequate transportation may also restrict access to community, which can further lead to adverse health outcomes.
The City of Baltimore provides the Charm City Circulator bus service for free to all residents and visitors. The Circulator makes over 100 stops along four routes, connecting neighborhoods to food hubs, healthcare services, and entertainment offerings. This service continues to expand and in June 2024 began to serve Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood.
Older adults and those with disabilities can face even larger transportation barriers to access healthcare, which is why Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital developed their Trusted Ride Chaperone Program. The program partners with volunteer chaperones and a ride-share service to transport older adults and those with disabilities to and from non-emergency medical appointments. By bridging this transportation gap, Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital ensures that residents can access the medical care they need, as well as providing companionship and reducing social isolation for community members.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines social drivers of health, also known as the social determinants of health, as the “conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.”
The State of Southwest Baltimore Series aims to examine the presence of the six social drivers of health in Southwest Baltimore and how local community organizations are helping create healthier communities.
