Establishing Community Connections for a Mobile Health Clinic

Abstract

Within the United States, there are many healthcare disparities. The supply and demand for mobile health have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. This project\u27s purpose was to improve and develop partnerships between communities and a new mobile health clinic with the intention of increasing healthcare services availability. The new mobile health clinic is an extension of a well-established university brick-and-mortar clinic. A survey was sent to county housing authority residents to determine community healthcare needs for various services including preventative and acute care services. Residents filling out the survey provided information about the targeted patient population and what patients\u27 needs are within that community. Residents were provided with information regarding the mobile health clinic and services that could be offered. The intention of the mobile health unit is to decrease disparities for the patients, who may not have access to regular health care, and for those who may feel more comfortable with health care services being provided within their community. The connections with community partnerships have substantial positive impacts on communities within the United States. Based on surveys, services that are desired include: diabetes care, management of hypertension, depression, allergies, headaches, anemia, anxiety, arthritis, bladder infections, kidney disease, sleep disorders, low energy, poor circulation, gout, alcohol consumption, water retention, skin disorders, high cholesterol, menopausal, Alzheimer\u27s, osteoporosis, smoking, acne, ADHD, COPD, lupus, thyroid management, heartburn, and calcium deficiency