Mosaic is pleased to announce their new Mobile Community Clinic in Central Oregon. “As the only organization offering mobile medical care to those experiencing homelessness, we needed to have a reliable mobile unit. We were limited on the type of services offered and when we were visiting partners due to the age of our previous clinic,” said Carla Stevens, Mosaic’s Chief Operating Officer. “We are so excited about the possibilities this new clinic provides to continue improving the health and well-being of the individuals and communities we serve through our mobile clinic program.”
Challenge:
Those experiencing homelessness have an increased risk for bronchitis, pneumonia, skin damage, frostbite and other issues. And due to a lack of transportation, many people are not able to make it to one of the 14 regional Mosaic clinics for care, so access to healthcare on the mobile clinic is critical.
The MCC offers care on a walk-in basis at locations where people are already accessing services, such as cold weather shelters and food banks.
Wheelchair Platform
Solution:
The MCC is now able to safely travel across the region, even during inclement weather, to reach those who need medical care most. New amenities on the clinic include functional air conditioning and heat, all-wheel drive, expanded exam room space, wheelchair accessibility and increased refrigeration space for vaccines. Mosaic is now able to provide enhanced wrap around medical services to better serve the increasing number of community members who are experiencing homelessness in Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson Counties.
Approach:
The 2019 Winnebago was custom-designed for Mosaic with amenities that include functional air conditioning and heat, all-wheel drive, expanded exam room space, wheelchair accessibility and increased refrigeration space for vaccines.
Check out this link for a view of the interior by KTVZ’s Lee Anderson: https://ktvz.com/videos/2020/08/11/mosaic-medical-gets-new-mobile-clinic/
Impact:
The new clinic replaces a 27-year-old converted RV that could no longer be relied upon to safely travel the many miles required around the region to reach patients. Inclement winter weather often forced the cancellation of visits during the time of year when access to care is needed the most.
Today the MCC travels throughout Deschutes County, providing quality, accessible healthcare to more than 700 individuals experiencing homelessness and at-risk youth. The mobile clinic weekly schedule includes stops at multiple locations in Bend, Redmond and Madras.