Over two years ago, Balpreet Grewal-Virk spoke to Newark nonprofits and residents to see how RWJBarnabas Health could address patient health issues outside of the four walls of their hospitals.
Nonprofit workers told the senior vice president of community health that transit was one of several barriers for people who needed to get to doctor’s appointments, pick up medication or access healthy food.
“Those who present for services, they don’t have a car, they don’t have access to transportation, and when they need to go see a doctor when they’re not feeling well, that just becomes a back burner,” said Nemin Jaya, director of administration for the Salvation Army’s Newark Area Services, one of the nonprofits Grewal-Virk spoke with…
Researchers who study the effect of public transportation on health outcomes say these rides can be life-saving for residents who lack access to transit.
“We know that the more often you go to the doctor, the more often you’re able to take care of things as they arise in a timely fashion, the better off your health is,” said Michael Smart, a professor at Rutgers Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. “Transit is a real lifesaver, a literal lifesaver.”
He noted that people with access to cars have better access to health resources, like better-rated doctors.
“There are big gaps in accessibility and the ability to travel to destinations that provide healthcare and other opportunities that promote health,” Smart said.
He cited Census data showing 391,842 or 11.3% of households in the state didn’t have access to a car in 2023.
“Any type of services that we can provide for these very important trips that work like a car for low-income families and others is going to help tremendously,” Smart said.