The People-Oriented Transportation Linkages for Underserved Communities (POTLUCK) initiative is a collaborative statewide effort led by nonprofit, public, and private partners to address the transportation and telehealth needs of older adults in underserved areas. As a program of Age Friendly Arizona and funded by Humana, POTLUCK aims to connect older adults, particularly those with low incomes or medical vulnerabilities, to essential healthcare services. Recognizing that aging often brings increased medical needs and reduced driving abilities, POTLUCK addresses the gaps in traditional transportation solutions, especially in rural areas where public transit may be limited or nonexistent.

The POTLUCK initiative offers a multi-faceted approach: offering telemedicine options at community hubs like senior centers with support from digital navigators, as well as delivering telemedicine services directly to older adults’ homes via mobile vans equipped with necessary technology and staff. By integrating transportation and telehealth solutions, POTLUCK enhances healthcare accessibility for older adults while serving as a scalable model for communities across the country.

Valley Assistance Services (VAS)
Since February 2026, Valley Assistance Services’ telemedicine program, Transforming Health through Transportation, has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults across Santa Cruz County. The program provides essential support including telemedicine services, transportation, errand assistance, and other resources that help seniors remain independent and connected to care. By offering everything from virtual healthcare assistance to rides for medical appointments and help with daily errands, the team works to remove barriers that often prevent seniors from accessing vital services. 

Valley Assistance Services is currently in negotiations with Chicanos Por La Causa to bring telemedicine services to their upcoming 83‑unit Senior Complex in Nogales, Arizona, opening in fall 2027. In early May 2026, the organization also began transportation services for Mariposa Clinic, supporting clients with rides, food bag distribution, diaper delivery, and occasional tele‑medicine support. 

Additional community partnerships have strengthened outreach efforts. In mid‑May 2026, staff met with Rio Rico Fire Department Station #3 to establish new hubs within their buildings. In June 2026, Community Health Workers connected with the Rio Rico Senior Center and began offering services every Friday. With these four new sites, Valley Assistance Services now operates a total of six hubs, each building strong relationships with local residents and consistently providing medical guidance, follow‑up support, and health education that helps reduce missed doctor visits.