Healthy Beginnings

Wood County, Wisconsin

Helping Wood County families get where they need to go for a healthy start.

Program Information

Healthy Beginnings is a 12-month Wood County transportation pilot designed to make sure transportation does not stand between local families and a healthy beginning. Led by the Wood County Health Department in partnership with Catch a Ride Network, a program of Feonix – Mobility Rising, and Opportunity Development Center, Inc. (ODC), the program connects pregnant and postpartum residents, families with infants or young children, and caregivers experiencing transportation barriers with healthcare and other essential supports.

Eligibility

Wood County residents who are pregnant or postpartum and families with infants or young children who experience a transportation barrier. The program may also serve parents and caregivers with disabilities, children with disabilities or complex health needs, and grandparents or older adults serving as primary caregivers when they are part of an eligible family unit. Priority may be given to households facing overlapping health, disability, employment, income, or public-benefit access barriers.

Trip Purposes

Approved trips can include prenatal and postpartum care; pediatric, well-child, immunization and specialty care; WIC and lactation support; behavioral health and recovery services; dental care; home-visiting and family-support programs; car-seat, safe-sleep and infant-safety services; grocery or food pantry access and other nutrition supports; public-benefit enrollment or recertification; financial services and education; and limited employment, onboarding, workforce training or education trips when they directly support family health, caregiving stability or household financial security. Healthy Beginnings is not limited to medical appointments.

Goals

During the first 12 months, Healthy Beginnings aims to serve 100–125 families and provide approximately 450–600 completed one-way trips; establish two active local transportation providers; build a dependable volunteer-driver network; screen 100% of referred participants for transportation barriers; collect participant satisfaction and service-quality data; identify unmet transportation needs and service gaps; and complete a community report and sustainability plan to guide long-term investment.

Partners

Lead partners: Wood County Health Department; Catch a Ride Network, a program of Feonix – Mobility Rising; and Opportunity Development Center, Inc. (ODC).

Funders

Community funding and support publicly recognized for the launch includes Marshfield Area United Way; Marshfield Area Community Foundation; Wood County Conservation, Education and Economic Development Committee; Opportunity Development Center, Inc.; Marshfield Rotary; Aspirus; Staab Construction; Associated Bank; Marshfield Medical Center Credit Union; and Prevail Bank.

Volunteer Drivers Wanted

Drive a Little. Change a Lot.

Healthy Beginnings depends on local volunteer drivers who can help neighbors reach healthcare, social support services, grocery stores or food pantries, and locations that support financial wellness. Volunteers choose when they are available to drive and receive mileage reimbursement for approved trips. Volunteers must be at least 19 years old, hold a valid driver’s license and insurance, complete background and motor-vehicle checks, and use a clean, smoke-free vehicle. Onboarding and training are provided. Sometimes making a difference is beautifully simple: someone shows up.

Learn More

https://www.catcharide.org/volunteer

Referral Information

Need transportation? Healthy Beginnings works through approved community partners in Wood County. Start by talking with your Community Partner. For questions about eligibility or how to connect with the program, contact Kayleigh Mengel, Public Health Policy and Communication Coordinator with the Wood County Health Department, at 715-421-8926 or kayleigh.mengel@woodcountywi.gov.

FAQs

Who is eligible for Healthy Beginnings? Healthy Beginnings serves Wood County residents who are pregnant or postpartum and families with infants or young children who are experiencing a transportation barrier. The program can also support eligible caregivers and families with disability or complex-health needs. Is Healthy Beginnings only for medical appointments? No. Healthcare is an important focus, but approved trips may also connect families with food and nutrition resources, social supports, public benefits, financial wellness services, and limited employment, training or education needs when they support family health and stability. How do I request transportation? Start with an approved Healthy Beginnings Community Partner. For help identifying the right referral pathway, contact Kayleigh Mengel at the Wood County Health Department at 715-421-8926 or kayleigh.mengel@woodcountywi.gov. Do I need a smartphone or an app? No. The program is designed to support people who may not have reliable access to a smartphone, internet service or a credit card. Community partners and Catch a Ride staff can help coordinate transportation. Who provides the rides? Depending on the trip and the rider’s needs, transportation may be provided through participating local transportation providers or approved volunteer drivers, including trusted friends, family members or community volunteers when appropriate. What does a ride cost? Eligible Healthy Beginnings transportation is supported through pilot funding. Your Community Partner can confirm whether a requested trip is eligible and whether any cost applies. Can I volunteer even if I cannot drive every week? Yes. Volunteer drivers choose rides based on their availability. Volunteers complete onboarding, background and motor-vehicle checks, and training before providing rides. Can my organization become a referral or transportation partner? Yes. Healthy Beginnings is designed to work alongside local organizations. Contact the Wood County Health Department or Catch a Ride Network to discuss partnership opportunities.