Curtie Cares, a nonprofit organization based in Bloomer, received a $25,000 grant from Mayo Clinic Health System to further its mission of “bringing HOPE to the homebound” in the Chippewa Valley area. The organization offers free transportation to people within a 30-mile radius of Bloomer who require it. With a team of twenty volunteer drivers, Curtie Cares dedicates its time and energy to assisting those in need.
 
Transportation barriers can significantly impact patients’ access to healthcare. According to the American Hospital Association, patients facing such barriers are more likely to miss or delay medical appointments, leading to challenges in managing chronic diseases and overall poorer health outcomes. In rural communities like Bloomer, where affordable cab rides or bus routes are scarce, Curtie Cares is a vital resource. Many residents live miles away from the nearest town, making it difficult to attend medical appointments or access essential services. Approximately fifty percent of Curtie Cares’ clients rely on the organization for transportation to medical visits. Their commitment to providing free rides contributes significantly to improving health equity in the community.
 
While improving the health of the populations we serve is core to the work at Mayo Clinic Health System, we are also keenly aware that we cannot do it alone. Supporting other community organizations and those in need is a crucial investment into the health and vibrancy of the communities we serve.