In partnership with Hamilton County and a broad network of community health providers, UC Health proudly serves as the preferred medical partner on the 513Bus, bringing expert care, compassionate support, and vital resources directly to where people live, work, and play.
Outside our Walls
Bringing Care and Connection to Cincinnati: Inside UC Health’s Partnership with the 513Relief Bus
Nov. 5, 2025
Across Hamilton County, the 513Relief Bus is more than just a vehicle — it’s a mobile lifeline delivering vital health screenings and social services directly into neighborhoods that need them most.
Across Hamilton County, the 513Relief Bus is more than just a vehicle — it’s a mobile lifeline delivering free health screenings, resources and compassionate care directly into neighborhoods that need them most.
Bringing Healthcare Resources Direct to Communities
UC Health’s collaboration with the 513Bus perfectly aligns with our vision to make Greater Cincinnati the healthiest city in America by addressing health disparities throughout the Cincinnati region.
The bus travels into underserved and often overlooked communities, bringing care directly to people who face challenges such as a lack of transportation, limited access to technology or financial barriers.
“The 513[Relief] Bus really gets to the heart of what community impact means,” said Cady Cornell, UC Health Director of Community and Public Health.
“It’s about meeting patients where they are — geographically, socially and emotionally — and removing the barriers that prevent them from getting the care they deserve.”
On every visit, the bus offers free and confidential health screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol, and A1C testing. Beyond these basic measures, the Bus partners with specialists across the UC Health system, including the UC Cancer Center, trauma team, mobile mammography unit, and the Early Intervention Program (EIP) to provide screenings and services tailored to community needs.
A Focus on Cardiovascular Health and Beyond
Addressing Cincinnati’s top health challenge — cardiovascular disease — is a central focus of UC Health’s efforts on the bus. Through monthly UC Health Days held in targeted zip codes with the highest rates of heart-related illness, we bring in additional expert staff to support patients with holistic care:
- Dietitians offering personalized advice on heart-healthy nutrition
- Tobacco cessation counselors providing strategies and support to quit smoking
- Community health workers guiding patients to other health and social resources
“Our goal is to address the upstream causes of cardiovascular disease, reconnect people to care, and support lifestyle changes that improve long-term health,” explained Cady Cornell.
This proactive approach helps reduce emergency room visits and hospitalizations, ultimately improving the quality of life for many residents.
Comprehensive Care on the Go
At the heart of the 513Relief Bus is a commitment to treating the whole person, recognizing that health is shaped by many factors beyond medical conditions alone.
Valeria Alvarez, DNP, the bus’s dedicated RN Coordinator, oversees medical services and orchestrates collaboration across UC Health partners to deliver seamless care.
“The bus offers a unique combination of medical and social services because health isn’t just one thing — it’s impacted by the sum of everything in a person’s life,” said Alvarez.
From mental health screenings and legal guidance to developmental support and resources for seniors, the bus connects people to the services they need to thrive.
“We provide screenings, answer questions, offer education, and connect people to further care or community resources. All of this is provided at no cost and with full respect for their privacy and dignity.”
Learning in the Community: Students on Board
The 513Relief Bus is also a vital learning platform for college students, particularly those in nursing and public health programs. It offers hands-on experience working alongside seasoned professionals to understand and address the real-world needs of diverse Cincinnati neighborhoods.
“I never expected my clinical experience would take me on a bus through the city, meeting people where they really are,” shared Kel Durig, a UC College of Nursing student.
“This opportunity has opened my eyes to the deep health disparities that exist and the power of bringing care directly into communities. It’s been an invaluable part of my education.”
By participating in the bus’s work, students develop not only clinical skills but also empathy, cultural awareness, and communication abilities crucial for effective community-centered healthcare.
Expanding Impact Through Partnerships
The 513Relief Bus has conducted more than 2,300 health screenings throughout Hamilton County in under two years — with demand continuing to grow rapidly. UC Health remains committed to expanding services, partnerships and reach.
“We’re excited about the future of the bus and all the ways we can keep evolving to meet community needs,” said Cornell.
“By bringing in more collaborators and offering a wider range of services, we can deepen our impact and help more Cincinnatians live healthier lives.”
Beyond medical care, the 513Relief Bus provides support for mental health, legal guidance, developmental assistance, and services for older adults, ensuring that each person can access the resources they need to thrive.
Operating from March through November each year, the bus continues to roll into neighborhoods, delivering care, hope and connection to thousands.
To learn more or explore the 513Relief Bus schedule, visit the 513Relief Bus website.