We are thrilled to share some very exciting news! Onward has been awarded a $2.3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant is a major boost for our mission to provide safe, reliable, and personalized transportation for older adults and people with cognitive or mobility challenges—particularly those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related health conditions.
So, the big question: What will the money be used for?
Over the next two years, we’ll be leading a groundbreaking study to assess the impacts of our unique Door-Through-Door (D2D) rides on appointment adherence, quality of life, and caregiver burden for older adults and individuals with Alzhiemer’s Dementias. We want to dig deep and get a real sense of how these different transportation experiences affect the health, well-being, and quality of life of those who need extra support getting to important appointments or simply staying connected to their community.
As our CEO, Kim Petty, shares, “Receiving this NIH SBIR grant is an incredible honor and a testament to the critical need for specialized transportation solutions for our aging population. This funding allows us to build on our mission of ‘Nurturing well-being - one visit, one connection, one ride at a time’ and take meaningful steps towards building technology-enabled transportation that enhances the quality of life for older adults.”
Why This Matters to Us (and to You!)
For many older adults and those with memory or mobility challenges, getting out the door is only part of the journey. It’s the small, often-overlooked details—an extra hand to help with a seatbelt, a familiar face, a calm and understanding driver—that make all the difference. Our Door-Through-Door assisted service includes that personal touch, from pick-up to drop-off, helping riders feel safe, cared for, and in control.
With this NIH grant, we’ll be able to put our Door-Through-Door model to the test, to see what impact these services have on health outcomes. We’ll also be developing a matching algorithm to make sure each rider gets the right kind of support for their needs. It’s all about making transportation not only accessible but tailored to each person.
Bringing Onward’s Services to More Communities
Another reason we’re so excited? This grant supports our growth into more communities across the country, working closely with transit agencies and healthcare organizations to reach even more people. By creating meaningful partnerships and using data to improve our approach, we’re building a transportation network that empowers aging adults and their caregivers—helping them stay active, connected, and engaged in life.
What’s Next?
As our study progresses, we’ll be sharing insights and updates right here on the blog. We can’t wait to see what we learn and, most importantly, how we can continue improving and expanding our services to create a supportive and enriching experience for all our riders. With this new funding, Onward is more equipped than ever to break down transportation barriers for older adults and help them live life on their own terms, one ride at a time.
Stay tuned!
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute On Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number: R44AG085945. The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of the author and does not necessarily represent the official views of NIH.
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