For families managing serious medical conditions, unreliable transportation can turn routine health care into a daily struggle. The Davies Project in Greater Lansing aims to solve that problem by offering free door-to-door rides to medical appointments.
Founded in 2014, the nonprofit connects volunteer drivers with families who otherwise might miss critical care. Last year, the organization provided nearly 4,500 rides, according to founder and Executive Director Pam Miklavcic. Volunteers—mostly recent retirees—use their own vehicles and choose schedules that fit their lifestyles.
“We make it very flexible, which is why volunteers love coming to us,” Miklavcic said. “They can take rides when it works for them and come back when they’re ready.”
Transportation as a Barrier
Access to transportation is often an overlooked barrier to health care. About seven in 10 children who rely on specialty clinics in the region are covered by Medicaid, yet many miss more than half of their outpatient appointments due to transportation challenges.
“If you can’t get to your care, what’s going to happen with your health?” Miklavcic said.
The Davies Project serves three groups: children with serious medical conditions, expectant mothers, and parents of hospitalized infants. For children, rides include trips to specialists, physical and occupational therapy, mental health care, and increasingly, dental and vision appointments. Expectant mothers and new parents receive rides for prenatal visits and follow-up care for up to a year after delivery.
Focus on Oral Health
Recently, the organization has emphasized oral health, recognizing its importance for overall well-being, particularly for children and pregnant women. Support from the Delta Dental Foundation has allowed the nonprofit to provide rides to dental appointments, along with toothbrushes and educational materials to encourage lifelong healthy habits.
Accessing dental care can be challenging for families facing financial strain. Miklavcic said many parents hesitate to seek services out of concern for costs, even with insurance coverage. To reduce these barriers, The Davies Project is building partnerships with local dental clinics.
Personalized, Stress-Free Service
Unlike taxis or ride-share services, Davies Project drivers pick families up at home, wait during appointments, and return them safely. Volunteers also provide small comforts such as healthy snacks, books for children, and holiday gift drives, helping to reduce stress for families.
“The volunteers form relationships with families they never would have met otherwise,” Miklavcic said. “These connections are essential for retaining drivers and strengthening our program.”
A Mission Rooted in Experience
Miklavcic started the project after her oldest son was diagnosed with cancer at age 3, shortly before she gave birth to her third child. The experience revealed how difficult it can be for families to navigate health care systems. The organization is named after Dr. H. Dele Davies, a pediatrician and former chairman Miklavcic worked with at Michigan State University.
Expansion Plans
The Davies Project serves families across Greater Lansing, including Mason, DeWitt, Grand Ledge, and Williamston. Plans are underway to expand to other Michigan communities, starting with Jackson. Local funding and partnerships with Medicaid providers remain crucial for growth.
“Our tagline is ‘More than just a ride,’” Miklavcic said. “When you remove one barrier, you give families a better chance to address all the others—including oral health.”