G-2308-19618

ITNAmerica began as The Independent Transportation Network (ITN), a person-centered transportation model started in 1995. ITN is a charitable, nonprofit membership organization that uses private automobiles and a combination of paid and volunteer drivers to provide rides for any purpose, 24/7. As a national organization, ITN provides technology, training, marketing, research and public policy guidance for a network of 86 nonprofit transportation providers in 44 states, delivering 76,599 rides per year to 9,797 riders. ITN’s approach to transportation closely mirrors the World Health Organization’s (WHO) person-centered solution for healthcare:

This research project will advance integrated and person-centered care by gaining significant insight into transportation access to oral and overall healthcare, and to the social determinants of health, by analyzing 1.5M rides in ITNAmerica’s ITNRides database spanning the years 1996 to 2023. Using the results from this analysis, this project will plan a longitudinal study to gain insight into whether, and to what extent, person-centered transportation impacts oral health and overall health for older adults, people aged 65 and older.

Researchers will recruit representatives of under-served populations, such as uninsured, low-income, LGBTQ, Native American, and African American for a Stakeholder Advisory Panel to inform the drafting and review of interview and survey instruments. With advice from the SAP and the Stakeholder Advisory Panel, along with advice from medical specialties such as oral healthcare providers, project researchers will develop a comprehensive timeline and work plan for a multi-year longitudinal study.

ITN will integrate knowledge gained into community transportation support programs, board development, ITNRides, and AVDC’s policy and practice. ITN will build an online learning module on mobility and healthcare with a focus on oral healthcare. Information will be disseminated through FQHCs, community health workers, and such organizations as National Network of Public Health Institutes, and social and earned media. Findings will be presented at an annual conference such as the American Public Health Association, the American Society on Aging, or the Transportation Research Board. To further disseminate findings, ITN will pursue a speaking engagement at an oral healthcare industry event.

The budget for this proposal is $150,000, which represents 7% of ITN’s overall budget. Funding will support staffing, software, honoraria for advisors, and submission to an independent research board.