Mobile Medical Unit reaching out into the community
October 12, 2022
Mobile Medical Unit reaching out into the community
MOBILE, Ala. — The Mobile County Health Department (MCHD) and Family Health (FH) – its primary care division – are pleased with the community’s warm welcome of the new Mobile Medical Unit (MMU).
The purchase of this MMU was made possible through specially earmarked funding obtained through the Ryan White Part 340B program. Section 330 of the Public Health Service Act is the section of a federal statute requiring money earned through the 340B program be spent on expanding services in Federally Qualified Health Centers such as Family Health.
The MSV Series 4000-102 Custom Coach is 37 feet long and has a 193-inch wheelbase. A “Family Health” full-body wrap was placed on the vehicle before it went into service.
Because of the size and capacity on the new MMU, the following services can be administered: general primary medical care, diagnostic laboratory, screenings, voluntary family planning, immunizations, well child services, gynecological care, preventative dental, health education, outreach, and translation.
The MMU staff includes a nurse practitioner, a medical assistant, a bilingual clerk, and a driver.
Just a few of the features on this state-of-the-art MMU include:
• Exam room
• Handicapped accessibility (demonstrated by lift and interior that is easy to navigate)
• Intake/reception area with seating for at least three people
• Laboratory with sink and standard set-up with space for refrigerator and workspace
• Restroom
• Desk and shelf workspace for clinical staff
• Generator
Since its inception in 1979, Family Health has provided services to the uninsured, underinsured, insured, and medically underserved populations of Mobile County. In addition to the general population, the center has also targeted special populations (such as migrant and seasonal workers, refugees, public housing residents, and people living with HIV/AIDS.
With the addition of this new MMU, Family Health now operates 13 HRSA approved federally qualified health center service delivery sites. This includes the original MMU, which has been in service since 2001.
To request the MMU for an outreach event, contact J. Mark Bryant by phone at 251-690-8823 or send an email to mbryant@mchd.org.
A video tour of the MMU can be found at this link: https://youtu.be/ovAc8otfHss
To keep up with MCHD and Family Health activities, a new smartphone app is available for download for free in the App Store and Google Play. Search “My MCHD Health Check” or visit the following link to download the app — https://apps.myocv.com/share/a65536603.