Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - non-construction - this application requests support for a mobile medical clinic for alcona citizens for health, INC. (alcona health…

Community project funding/congressionally directed spending - non-construction - this application requests support for a mobile medical clinic for alcona citizens for health, INC. (alcona health center) to bring healthcare services to underserved communities or those living in remote, rural areas. This customized vehicle will assist in reducing the transportation barriers to patients by bringing healthcare services where they are needed. Given the need for access to primary care in rural settings, the intent is to extend primary care access, health screenings, and education to those with limited access to health services, including minorities, low-income families, underserved, and rural communities. Much of alcona health center's (AHC's) service area lies within health professional shortage areas (hpsa) and medically underserved areas (MUA) in northern michigan. We have focused our efforts on advancing health equity and reaching the most vulnerable and disenfranchised populations and have worked to develop a mobile medical clinic alongside other innovative ideas that promote preventive services and expand the boundaries of the traditional health care system. The challenges residents in rural areas face are great due to the scarcity of resources and personnel. The long distances between medical facilities, the shortage of healthcare professionals, and low rates of health literacy are just a few obstacles rural residents face when seeking access to health care. This lack of access is a trend that threatens to decrease access to quality care. Mobile medical clincs are increasingly needed to fill this GAP. There is a need for mobile units across the country, but the need in rural northern michigan is especially pressing. The total service area has a population of 250,108. Approximately 36.29% (90,674) of AHC's service area population lives below 200% FPL compared to the state rate of 29.8%; and 14.22% (35,565) live below 100% FPL. Within the service area, 9.28% (23,210) have less than a high school education. The population is one of the oldest in the state and living conditions are some of the poorest. This application will meet the goal of delivering care to some of the region's most vulnerable populations by providing timely access to medical professionals and essential healthcare services at convenient locations close to home. By reducing barriers in access to healthcare such as distance traveled, the mobile health unit will help improve patient outcomes while also addressing disparities between urban and rural populations when IT comes to receiving quality care. Supporting the mobile medical unit directly contributes to hrsa's mission to increase access to care for underserved people in rural communities. By reducing care disparities, addressing the social determinants of health, and promote value-based care and connecting high-risk patients with primary and preventive care.