Durham Volunteers Drive Seniors to Free Doctor Appointments

Getting to a doctor's appointment shouldn't be stressful, but for many seniors in Durham, North Carolina, transportation can feel like an impossible hurdle. A year-old nonprofit called Aging Forward Durham is changing that reality, one free ride at a time.

Debby Leonard retired from banking 12 years ago and immediately knew she wanted to stay busy helping people. When her church announced the new volunteer driver program in April 2025, she jumped at the chance to give seniors rides to their medical appointments.

"I always call my clients before I go. That way, we've had a little introduction," Leonard said. She loves the flexibility of choosing how many rides to offer each week, and the work gives her something even more valuable than a schedule.

"The feeling I get is complete satisfaction that I have helped somebody. And what's better than helping somebody?" she said.

Aaron Turrentine III recently rode with Leonard to Duke Regional Hospital for a stress test before his upcoming hip replacement surgery. His sister usually drove him until her car broke down, then she discovered Aging Forward Durham.

"These people, let me tell you, they are so nice, generous," Turrentine said. "They help you. They make sure you're comfortable."

The service does more than just provide transportation. Volunteers stay with seniors throughout their appointments, so there's no anxious waiting or wondering how they'll get home. The conversations during rides may not be deeply personal, but they create real connections.

Sunny's Take

What started as shared concern among three Durham churches in 2024 has blossomed into a lifeline for seniors living north of Interstate 85. Twenty volunteers have provided hundreds of rides over the past year, building friendships along the way.

"We don't get too deep in anything personal. We just talk about what we enjoy doing," Leonard said. For her first ride with Turrentine, she could already tell they'd become fast friends.

The program currently serves seniors 65 and older for medical appointments only, but leaders hope to expand to grocery stores, banks, churches, and salons. They're part of a nationwide alliance of similar programs, proving this model works beyond Durham.

"In this day and age, helping individuals who don't necessarily have transportation get to their medical appointments, we feel is critical," said Leif Roll, vice chairman of Aging Forward Durham. "That's our calling."

The organization needs more volunteer drivers to meet growing demand. Leonard sees her work as an investment in her own future too.

"Let's face it, we're all aging forward if we're lucky," she said. One day, she might need the same helping hand she's offering now.