Celebrating 5 Years of Service

What began as one small business built on determination, compassion, and a mission to solve a real community problem has grown into a regional force for healthcare access across California’s Central Coast.

Care Connection Transport Services proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary, marking five years of breaking barriers to care and strengthening communities across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties through reliable, compassionate transportation.

This milestone is especially significant in an industry where an estimated 70% of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) companies fail within their first few years. Reaching five years of sustained growth and regional impact represents not only business success, but resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to community needs.

Founded in January 2021 by entrepreneur and community advocate Nancy Crawford, Care Connection was launched to close critical gaps in assisted transportation. Recognizing the disconnect between healthcare needs and transportation infrastructure, Nancy envisioned a solution that blended healthcare insight with logistics expertise to create a higher standard of service. That vision was reinforced by personal experience, as she navigated the challenges of securing reliable transportation for her own family members and witnessed how system gaps directly impacted health outcomes and dignity.

In just five years, Care Connection has become known for raising the standard of patient transport. The company made history as the first provider in California to introduce the Broda Transport Chair, bridging the gap between wheelchair and gurney transport while improving patient comfort and lowering costs for healthcare partners and families. Care Connection is also a key partner in behavioral health transports, working alongside area hospitals and county agencies to ensure individuals in crisis are transported with dignity and professionalism.

“What we value most is the way their drivers treat our clients, with patience, respect, and compassion,” said Sara P., Director of Business Development, Ventura Transit System, Inc. “Care Connection consistently demonstrates a level of care that truly makes a difference for the people we serve.”

Healthcare leaders across the region credit Care Connection with improving patient flow, discharge success, and emergency department operations.

“Care Connection added such a vital service to the Central Coast, particularly in the Emergency Department at Marian. Prior to Care Connection, it was not uncommon for patients to wait hours for transportation because resources in our community were lacking. They provide timely, safe transportation with an amazing focus on kindness to both patients and hospital staff. Professional, kind, caring, and competent would describe every member of their staff. Congratulations Care Connection on 5 years of excellent service to our community.” — Christine S., RN, Emergency Department Director, Marian Regional Medical Center

Beyond transportation, Care Connection remains deeply engaged in community leadership, nonprofit partnerships, and advocacy for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

“As we celebrate five years, we are incredibly grateful to our partners, team members, and community for their trust,” said Founder and CEO Nancy Crawford. “I am deeply grateful to every person who has been part of this journey. From our team members and healthcare partners to the families who trust us during vulnerable moments, you are the reason Care Connection exists and continues to grow”

With continued expansion, new technology, and deeper regional partnerships ahead, Care Connection is poised to keep redefining compassionate, reliable medical transportation across California’s Central Coast.