By: Kari Radjewski, director of Marketing & Communications
In Detroit and across the country, LGBTQ+ youth face steep and layered challenges when it comes to getting the healthcare they need. One of the most overlooked barriers is getting to an appointment.
According to findings published in the American Journal of Public Health, LGBTQ+ people are at significantly higher risk of suicide, heart disease, and other serious health conditions. These risks make regular, supportive care not just important—but lifesaving.
That’s where Ruth Ellis Center is making a difference. As a trusted resource for LGBTQ+ youth in Detroit, the center creates a safe, affirming space where young people can begin to heal. With support from a $25,000 grant from the Children’s Foundation, the TransPort to Health initiative is removing one of the biggest barriers to care: transportation.
Through gas cards, bus passes, and rideshare support, TransPort to Health helps youth get to critical medical and therapy appointments—safely and reliably.
“Something as simple as a ride to an appointment can be the difference between a crisis and a breakthrough,” said Mark Erwin, executive director of the Ruth Ellis Center. “This funding gives young people more than transportation—it gives them access, stability, and receiving essential care.”
In Detroit, where Ruth Ellis Center is located, more than 30% of residents don’t own a car, and public buses arrive on time less than half the time. For youth already navigating trauma, substance use, or a lack of stable housing, missing a medical or behavioral health appointment can mean missing a critical opportunity for healing.
That’s why TransPort to Health is more than a logistical fix; it’s a key driver of health equity. The program is already helping youth:
- Stick to their treatment plans with regular follow-ups
- Pick up their medications on time
- Stay on top of checkups and screenings
- Continue with therapy and counseling
- Take part in school, social events, and everyday life
When young people facing the biggest challenges can access the care they need, everyone benefits—because healthier youth create stronger futures.
Efforts like TransPort to Health happen because of philanthropy. The public health system often doesn’t account for the everyday barriers – like getting to an appointment safely and reliably. That’s where the Children’s Foundation plays a vital role: helping organizations like the Ruth Ellis Center fill urgent gaps and deliver not just care, but the promise of a healthier future.
When we ensure that youth have access to the support they need to thrive, we strengthen the health and well-being of our entire community, today and for generations to come.
