Jackie was connected to Health Net of West Michigan through a partnership with a local medical home in Kent County. She was referred after completing a health-related social needs screening, which revealed she could use support in finding resources to address environmental concerns in her household.

When Jackie and Kellan had their initial conversation over the phone, Kellan learned that there were additional needs Jackie wanted to prioritize. The need at the forefront of her mind was assistance in securing a tricycle. Jackie explained that after a knee replacement, she had benefited significantly from physical therapy. In particular, she noted how helpful the workout bike was in her recovery and was looking for ways to maintain her mobility.

Immediately, Kellan thought of Upcycle Bikes. Kellan knew securing an adult tricycle might be difficult, but she was still hopeful. Unfortunately, as expected, Upcycle confirmed that adult tricycles didn’t come in frequently, but they worked with Kellan and Jackie to find the next best option, a step-through bike.

Jackie received the step-through bike and inquired about donating a mountain bike. She had purchased it thinking it could help her continue her physical therapy, but it turned out not to be a good fit. When Jackie and Kellan reconnected a week after she received the bike, she expressed gratitude but said she was having difficulty using the step-through bike comfortably. Jackie planned to continue trying to use the bike and moved forward with donation plans for her mountain bike.

When Kellan reached out to Upcycle to donate the mountain bike, she was surprised to hear that Upcycle had acquired a tricycle donation! Kellan was able to load Jackie’s donation bike for Upcycle, and, with her supervisor’s help (who supplied a pickup truck), they brought the tricycle to Jackie’s home. As Jackie rode her tricycle up and down the street, Kellan felt immense gratitude towards all the collaboration that made this success possible.

Care follows a circular path. A medical home understands that wellness is a painting created from a broad palette of factors. This understanding is what connected Jackie to Health Net’s services. Health Net’s commitment to providing resource navigation through personally navigating the resources of the community is how Kellan was able to access Upcycle Bike’s offerings for Jackie. Now, Jackie adds to this care through her bike donation, and the cycle of care continues.