Quantum Foundation awards $65,000 to expand medical transportation in the Glades

Corey Murphy, Andrea Mena, Rocio Tamez, Antywn McCoy, Rod James, Bridgette Knight, Catherine Toms and Chanukah Jerome. [Photo by Green Cars for Kids]

Quantum Foundation has awarded $65,471 to Green Cars for Kids to expand access to health care for expectant mothers and children in western Palm Beach County by helping eliminate transportation as a barrier.

The grant will finance the launch of Green Cars for Kids’ transportation program in the Glades communities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay through a partnership with the Health Care District of Palm Beach County’s community health centers. The initiative provides free rides in zero-emission electric vehicles to medical appointments.

According to the organizations, approximately 24% of residents in the Glades communities do not have access to a personal vehicle, making it difficult to attend prenatal visits, pediatric appointments and specialized health care services.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a5580e_064f27ba2576441fb4b1fabf920fb2a1/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Green Cars for Kids video.

The program will serve patients receiving care through the Health Care District’s federally qualified health center in Belle Glade, which provides primary care, dental services, a pharmacy, and mental health and women’s health services regardless of insurance status. On the same campus as Lakeside Medical Center, the clinic is expected to see improved appointment attendance through the transportation service.

“Access to health care begins with access to transportation,” says Eric Kelly, the president and CEO of Quantum Foundation. “We invest in innovative solutions that remove barriers to better health. We’re proud to support Green Cars for Kids as they expand this important program into Palm Beach County, helping more families receive the care they need while advancing healthier communities.”

The funding is expected to help transport 500 established patients each year receiving care through the Belle Glade Community Health Center. Call 561-642-1000, Ext. 211016, to learn more about the program and eligibility.

Since its launch in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, Green Cars for Kids has provided nearly 10,000 medical trips to more than 3,000 people. Organization leaders say the expansion targets one of Palm Beach County’s most transportation-challenged regions.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Quantum Foundation for its investment in the health and well-being of Palm Beach County families,” says Dr. Catherine Toms, the president of Palm Beach County-based Green Cars for Kids. “This grant allows us to expand our reach and ensure that expectant mothers and children can get to critical medical appointments without transportation standing in the way. Together, we’re helping families access the care they deserve while building healthier communities.”

The Palm Beach County initiative is also supported by the 2x4 Foundation and Volkswagen Group of America, which is providing the temporary use of a 2025 Volkswagen ID.4 all-electric SUV.

Quantum Foundation was created with the proceeds of the sale of JFK Medical Center and is dedicated to improving the health of Palm Beach County residents through strategic grantmaking. Now in its third decade of community investment, the foundation manages approximately $172 million in assets and has awarded $184 million to hundreds of Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations.

For more information, visit greencars4kids.org, or email info@greencars4kids.org.