Original Mobile Medical Unit gets new look

April 12, 2022

Original Mobile Medical Unit gets new look

MOBILE, Ala. — Family Health, the primary care division of the Mobile County Health Department, has operated a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) since 2001. A health center on wheels, Family Health’s staff has used the vehicle’s two exam rooms to provide intensive outreaches focused on preventive health, chronic conditions, and screenings to those who might not otherwise be able to travel to a traditional health clinic for care.

Its mission was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The MMU was used to screen and test clients for the coronavirus.

Because of extended wear and tear over the last two decades, the MMU was pulled out of service to receive much-needed repairs. Following some maintenance and the application of a new exterior wrap – including the cover of the cab – the MMU has been returned to Family Health.

This follows the recent arrival of a new Mobile Medical Unit in January. The purchase of this second MMU was made possible through funding obtained to encourage and increase HIV testing and educational outreach.

Since 1979, Family Health has provided comprehensive primary care to the people of Mobile County regardless of their ability to pay for services. Including the two Mobile Medical Units, Family Health now operates 13 Federally Qualified Health Center service delivery sites approved by the Health Resources and Services Administration.

As COVID-19 numbers are declining to early pandemic levels, key members of Family Health’s management team will meet with community leaders and others about how to best serve the special populations and will set up dates and times for the agency’s Mobile Medical Units to extend outreach to those who might not otherwise make it to a clinic for vital wellness screenings, among other needed treatments.