MUSKEGON, MI — Hackley Community Care is offering transportation services to patients, addressing what officials say is a major barrier to accessing health care in Muskegon County.
The Federally Qualified Health Center has partnered with Pioneer Resources to provide rides to medical, mental health, dental and specialty appointments at no cost to patients. The service has no geographic restrictions and will use fully accessible vans to accommodate patients with varying mobility needs.
“Removing transportation barriers is essential to improving health outcomes,” said Michael Weessies, chief executive officer of Hackley Community Care. “This partnership ensures our patients can more easily reach the care they need — care that truly has the power to change lives.”
The collaboration emerged from recognition that transportation challenges prevent many patients from keeping appointments and receiving timely care. Hackley Community Care serves more than 22,000 patients annually across Muskegon County, offering primary medical care, dental services, mental health treatment and other health programs.
Pioneer Resources brings more than 70 years of experience providing accessible transportation to people with disabilities, older adults and others facing mobility challenges. The nonprofit operates one of the largest accessible transportation fleets on the Lakeshore.
“We are honored to partner with Hackley Community Care on this important initiative,” said Jill Bonthuis, CEO of Pioneer Resources. “Our mission has always been to create access and opportunity. By working together, we can help ensure that transportation is never an obstacle to receiving essential health care.”
Staff at Hackley Community Care will arrange transportation on behalf of patients who have scheduled appointments at either Hackley locations or specialty providers. Pioneer Resources will then contact patients to confirm pickup times and locations. Drivers will provide business cards so patients can communicate if they are running late or ready for pickup earlier than expected.
The program, which began this month, is available to any Hackley Community Care patient with a scheduled appointment.