Smartphones could change the delivery of health information in Richmond — particularly to low-income residents.

Mobile phones are now seen as a key to helping people set up and get reminders about appointments with doctors, navigate the health care system and learn about preventive care options now available through the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare.

The city plans to work with foundations, area hospitals and a national nonprofit organization, Coding for America (CoA), to develop the new mobile phone approach to health education.

City Council is poised to approve Mayor Dwight C. Jones’ request to provide a $75,000 contribution to the $200,000 initiative.

The city money would come from an unsuccessful Richmond Rides program that was set up in 2012 to provide fare subsidies for qualifying GRTC riders. GRTC is folding the program after being unable to raise money to add to the initial $500,000 the city provided.

The council OK, expected next week, would allow the $75,000 to go to the San Francisco-based CoA to develop the computer codes needed. CoA was founded to help governments use technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

To get started, representatives of CoA would meet with health care providers and community residents to learn what is needed and then begin developing the software codes. The project is expected to take up to a year to yield benefits, according to organizers.

Among other things, the project would address “the issue of how we are using technology to reach citizens,” said Dr. Danny T. Avula, a certified pediatrician and deputy director of the Richmond City Health District.

The aim of this project: To provide texting, mobile applications and possibly new websites to reduce the impact of poverty on health and to widen access to beneficial services, said Dr. Avula, a leader in pushing the information project.

The need is evident, Dr. Avula said, noting that state data indicate that people in Richmond with the lowest incomes suffer from the highest levels of chronic and often preventable diseases, and they often are sicker once they seek treatment.

One example, according to the data, is that residents of Church Hill have a life expectancy of about 68 years, while five miles away in the West End, higher-income residents have a life expectancy of 84 years.

If it works out, the new mobile apps would be another way to help people change behaviors and to improve their health prospects, Dr. Avula said.

Dr. Avula credits Andreas Addison of the chief administrative officer’s staff with developing the information that moved the coding project to the city’s front burner.

He said Mr. Addison is responsible for a survey that found that at least two-thirds of the people who receive government aid through city Social Services have smartphones.

Dr. Avula said that finding opened his eyes and the eyes of others to the idea of using mobile phones to assist residents to boost prevention and increase access to health services.

Contributors to the coding project also include the Bon Secours and Virginia Commonwealth University health systems, The Community Foundation, the Jenkins Foundation and the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, according to city information.