KENT COUNTY
The West Michigan Veterans Coalition is hosting a fundraiser to raise $10,000 (with $20,000 in matching funds secured!) to support transportation for veterans and their loved ones. Donate today!
PROJECT GOAL
In Kent County, MI, 33,000 military-connected individuals and their families do incredible work to create a high quality of life after completing their military service. But there are often logistical gaps that separate veterans from the services that support their long-term wellbeing. When veterans suffer from mobility challenges such as inadequate transit options or an absence of a working vehicle, positive health behaviors and outcomes begin to decrease.
- Emergency room visits increase, with higher hospital admission rates to follow.
- Five-year survival rates for illnesses such as lung and prostate cancer decrease.
- Concerning veteran mental health, there is a correlation between the barrier to health care that travel-related obstacles create and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- For veterans living more than thirty miles from a mental health center, treatment rates are lower than other populations.
We have an opportunity to create a better future for military-connected families and individuals.
Feonix is partnering with the West Michigan Veterans Coalition and Disability Advocates of Kent County to launch a force of volunteer drivers who make it easier for veterans to access the things they need for security and wellbeing. By removing barriers to transportation, such as gaps in service areas, eligibility requirements, and prohibitive cost, Feonix creates a path to improve the conditions that impact veterans’ social determinants of health (SDOH). Social determinants of health are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes and risks.
By improving veterans’ SDOH, we create conditions that support their stability and engagement in activities that facilitate health and well-being.
SPONSORS
PROJECT COLLABORATORS
MOBILITY LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
Paul Ryan, West Michigan Veterans Coalition
Debra Unseld, West Michigan Veterans Coalition
Trina Edmondson, Disability Advocates of Kent County
Dave Alex, Disability Advocates of Kent County
Debbie Coleman, HOPE Network
Martha Burkett, Kent County Veterans Services
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Help others from the comfort of your car.
Do you have a desire to make a difference in your community? Individuals who volunteer for Feonix connect passengers with life transforming support, while also building relationships that transform their lives!
Donate Miles to cover the cost.
CONTACT INFO
Paul J. Ryan
Captain, US Navy Reserve (Retired)
Vice Chair, Executive Board
West Michigan Veterans Coalition