United Health Centers President and CEO Colleen Curtis speaks at a news conference this pas summer. File Photo

Kaiser Permanente awarded a $90,000 grant to United Health Centers of the San Joaquin Valley (UHC), which will provide free transportation for patients.

UHC currently has six passenger vans transporting patients to and from its 17 health center locations in Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties. Adding three new vans to the fleet could means as many has 45 more patients daily for medical, dental, behavioral health, optometry or chiropractic appointments.

“We know transportation can be one of the barriers to accessing care for some residents living in rural areas of the Valley,” said Wade Nogy, Kaiser Permanente Fresno senior vice president and area manager. “We are thrilled to partner with United Health Centers to provide free transportation, so families can get the care they need and lead healthier lives.”

Founded in 1971, UHC is a Federally Qualified Health Center with 17 locations in the Valley, including 12 in Fresno County, three in Kings County and one in Tulare County.