The Strategic Advantage of FQHCs in Implementing Mobile Health Units: Lessons Learned from a Pilot Initiative

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Management
• Health Equity

Background:

• High-need populations face significant barriers to primary care access, resulting in poorer health outcomes.
• Traditional healthcare systems often fail to engage individuals facing challenges like lack of transportation, insurance, or mistrust.
• Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are uniquely positioned to address these gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a mobile health unit (MHU) program by an FQHC.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in improving engagement and access to care for underserved populations.
• To provide recommendations for FQHCs seeking to utilize MHUs.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive, observational study design.
• Implementation of a comprehensive, low-barrier primary care program using MHUs.
• Focus on patient engagement, access, and addressing social determinants of health.

Main Results:

• MHUs successfully provided comprehensive primary care services to previously disengaged residents.
• The program addressed common access barriers, including transportation and insurance issues.
• FQHCs can leverage existing infrastructure and community trust to deploy MHUs effectively.

Conclusions:

• Mobile health units are a viable strategy for FQHCs to reach high-need populations.
• This model strengthens the healthcare safety net and improves continuity of care.
• FQHC-led MHU programs can significantly enhance healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities.