Helping Patients Get the Care They Need
Don’t let transportation stop your patients from getting to their medical appointments.
Healthcare providers across North Durham share a common goal. They want their patients to receive consistent, reliable care that supports long term health and well being.
Yet for many older adults, one of the biggest barriers to care is not access to providers. It is access to transportation.
Aging Forward Durham exists to help solve that challenge.
We partner with the community to provide free, volunteer powered transportation for seniors who live independently, no longer drive, and need reliable rides to medical and healthcare appointments.
Our mission is simple. Help patients get the care they need, when they need it.
The Hidden Challenge Behind Missed Appointments
For many seniors, attending a medical appointment is not as simple as scheduling a visit. Transportation challenges often stand in the way.
Patients may:
No longer feel comfortable driving
Rely on family members with limited availability
Struggle to navigate ride services
Delay or cancel appointments due to uncertainty
These challenges can lead to missed appointments, delayed care, and increased health risks over time.
For healthcare providers, this often results in:
Gaps in continuity of care
Reduced treatment adherence
Increased rescheduling and administrative burden
Transportation is often an overlooked factor, but it plays a critical role in patient outcomes.
A Local Solution for Durham Healthcare Providers
Aging Forward Durham was created to meet this need within our community.
We provide transportation for:
Medical appointments
Dental visits
Vision care
Physical therapy
All rides are offered at no cost to eligible seniors living north of I 85 in Durham.
Since launching in April 2025, we have:
Built a network of dedicated volunteer drivers
Served seniors across North Durham
Completed over 100 rides to healthcare appointments
Helped patients stay connected to essential care
Each ride is designed to be safe, reliable, and supportive.
More Than Transportation
Our volunteers do more than drive.
They assist patients from their homes to the vehicle and into their destination. They offer conversation, reassurance, and a consistent presence that helps reduce stress around medical visits.
For many patients, this experience creates:
Greater confidence in attending appointments
Reduced anxiety about transportation
A stronger sense of connection to the community
This level of support can make a meaningful difference in how patients engage with their care.
Supporting Healthcare Providers and Care Teams
We believe that strong community partnerships lead to better outcomes.
Healthcare providers, care coordinators, and office staff can work with Aging Forward Durham to help ensure patients do not miss important appointments due to transportation barriers.
Ways providers can partner with us include:
Referring eligible patients who may benefit from transportation
Sharing information with patients and families
Connecting us with care coordination teams
Inviting us to speak with staff about available services
By working together, we can help improve attendance, strengthen continuity of care, and support better health outcomes across the community.
Who We Serve
Aging Forward Durham provides transportation for:
Adults age 65 and older
Residents living north of I 85 in Durham
Seniors who live independently and no longer drive
Our goal is to support patients who are capable of managing their health but need help getting to care.
A Growing Community Effort
What began as a shared concern among local congregations has grown into a community driven effort to support seniors across North Durham.
As demand continues to grow, so does the opportunity for collaboration with healthcare providers.
Every new connection helps extend the reach of this service and ensures more patients can access the care they need.
How to Connect With Aging Forward Durham
If your practice serves seniors who may face transportation challenges, we would welcome the opportunity to connect.
Refer a patient who may benefit from our services
Request information for your office or care team
Invite us to share more with your staff
Website: agingforwarddurham.org
Email: agingforwarddurham@gmail.com
Phone: 919-489-2217
Moving Care Forward Together
Ensuring patients receive consistent care requires more than excellent medical services. It requires removing the barriers that prevent patients from getting there.
Aging Forward Durham is proud to partner with healthcare providers to help patients stay on track with their care.
Together, we can help more seniors in North Durham remain healthy, independent, and connected to the services they rely on.