Ahead of the 20th Mobile Health Clinics Conference: Insights from the Mobile Healthcare Association
As the Mobile Healthcare Association‘s 20th Annual Mobile Health Clinics Conference approaches, our excitement is building. This event will gather leaders in mobile healthcare from across the country to explore collaboration, innovation, and the future of our field. This year’s theme, “Collective Momentum Leading with Collaboration and Innovation,” perfectly captures the spirit of collaboration that drives the mobile healthcare community. (Our team will not only be attending but also presenting two key sessions!) We recently sat down with Jennifer Bennet, Senior Advisor at Mobile Healthcare Association, and a veteran in the mobile healthcare field, to discuss how mobile clinics are leading the charge in transforming healthcare delivery.
MHM: The conference theme this year is “Collective Momentum Leading with Collaboration and Innovation.” Can you give us an example of how mobile clinics have illustrated this coalition building or collaboration?
Jennifer Bennet: There are numerous examples of how mobile clinics have demonstrated the power of collective momentum, especially in times of crisis. One notable instance is during disaster responses. Mobile clinics have consistently played a crucial role in providing healthcare services in the aftermath of natural disasters. For example, FEMA has recognized the value of a mobile strategy and has collaborated with state and federal officials to deploy mobile clinics to disaster-stricken areas. The Mobile Healthcare Association has been instrumental in these efforts, assisting during events like Hurricane Katrina and more recently with the wildfires in Canada, where one of our longtime members, Robin Gardner with the Provincial Health Services Authority, has been leading emergency response efforts.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, mobile clinics proved their agility and effectiveness. In Illinois, for instance, regional coalitions of mobile clinics, particularly in the Chicagoland area, coordinated with the local school system to provide vaccinations to school children. This effort was a remarkable demonstration of collaboration, where multiple mobile clinics worked together to cover different schools, ensuring comprehensive coverage. This type of coordinated response is a powerful example of how mobile clinics can unite to address public health needs efficiently.
Additionally, in Oregon, the School-Based Health Alliance was one of several agencies successfully advocated for legislative funding to develop mobile clinics that will address racism as a public health crisis which includes the implementation of mobile healthcare to improve health and social outcomes (House bill 4052). These clinics now provide primary care, behavioral health services, and more, demonstrating the strength of coalition-building in securing resources and expanding services. In Kentucky, the Kentucky Rural Health Association‘s Immunization Coalition collectively decided to purchase 12 mobile health clinics. This decision was influenced by the success seen during the COVID-19 response, where mobile clinics were pivotal in reaching underserved populations.
These examples highlight the generosity and dedication within the mobile health community. There’s a shared value system among those who run mobile clinics, characterized by a willingness to share best practices and resources. This spirit of cooperation is expanding the field and helping mobile clinics reach more people in need. We are also seeing an increasing number of national organizations interested in health equity and access to care joining forces with us, further amplifying our collective impact.
MHM: Adaptation and agility are what make so many mobile clinics innovators in health equity and healthcare delivery. Tell us about one or two important or pressing issues in public health and how, in your opinion, mobile clinics can use their agility to respond or help quickly in new and different ways.
Jennifer Bennet: One pressing issue in public health where mobile clinics have shown exceptional agility is reproductive health, particularly in response to recent legal changes and restrictions in certain states. Organizations like Planned Parenthood and University of Florida have leveraged mobile clinics to provide essential reproductive health services, including those that may be restricted in some states. Some of these mobile units have sites strategically placed near state borders where certain services are restricted, ensuring that individuals still have access to necessary care. The ability of mobile clinics to move and adapt quickly to changes in the legal and healthcare landscape is a critical advantage, allowing them to fill gaps in care rapidly.
Another significant issue is the increase in newcomers and immigrants to the United States, many of whom find themselves without stable housing and access to healthcare. Mobile clinics have been pivotal in reaching these populations, often setting up at community centers, shelters, and other accessible locations. This flexibility allows mobile clinics to meet people where they are, offering critical services during times of transition and uncertainty. The ability to quickly set up and provide comprehensive care, including primary and behavioral health services, makes mobile clinics an invaluable asset in addressing the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations.
The mobile healthcare community is incredibly mission-driven, with a deep commitment to serving those who might otherwise lack access to care. The people who operate these clinics often go above and beyond, not just providing medical services but also addressing broader social determinants of health.
– Jennifer Bennet, senior advisor at mobile healthcare association
MHM: What makes you most proud to be part of the mobile healthcare community?
Jennifer Bennet: There are two main aspects that fill me with pride about being part of the mobile healthcare community. First, it’s the generosity and dedication of the people involved. The mobile healthcare community is incredibly mission-driven, with a deep commitment to serving those who might otherwise lack access to care. The people who operate these clinics often go above and beyond, not just providing medical services but also addressing broader social determinants of health. They are passionate about their work, and this shared value system creates a strong bond among those in the field. It’s inspiring to see how willing people are to share their experiences, resources, and best practices to help others succeed, whether they’re just starting out or looking to expand their services.
Secondly, I’m proud of how responsive and innovative this community is. We continuously seek feedback from our members to understand their needs and challenges, ensuring that we provide relevant support and resources. For example, our recent launch of a Technical Assistance Program was a direct response to members expressing a need for more hands-on guidance beyond our standard startup courses. This program has been highly successful, allowing us to provide tailored support to small cohorts of organizations. It’s this kind of adaptive, responsive approach that makes me proud to be part of a community that is always striving to improve and expand its impact.
MHM: Tell us about a service area or care area where mobile clinics are just beginning to enter. What promise does this hold, and for whom?
Jennifer Bennet: One emerging area for mobile clinics is the provision of services for substance use disorders, particularly opioid treatment programs (OTPs). There is a growing recognition of the need for mobile units to address this crisis, as they can provide essential services like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in a flexible, accessible manner. However, significant regulatory barriers still exist at federal, state, and local levels, making it challenging for mobile clinics to fully participate in this area. Despite these hurdles, the potential for mobile clinics to play a crucial role in addressing substance use disorders is immense. By reaching individuals in their communities, mobile clinics can provide not only treatment but also education and support, making it easier for people to access care without the stigma often associated with visiting a traditional clinic.
Another area of growth is in behavioral health services. While mobile clinics have long provided primary care and health screenings, there’s an increasing focus on integrating behavioral health services into their offerings. This is particularly important as more people recognize the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. By offering behavioral health services, mobile clinics can address a broader spectrum of health issues, providing comprehensive care that supports the overall well-being of their patients. This expansion holds promise for underserved populations, including those in rural and frontier areas, where access to behavioral health services can be especially limited.
These expanded responses provide a more detailed and nuanced exploration of the questions, reflecting the depth and breadth of the mobile healthcare community’s work and challenges.
This is your 20th year! What does the future hold for the mobile healthcare community? How do you see the next decade evolving, and what role will collective momentum play in shaping that future?
Since 2005, we’ve been working with partners and funders to push for broader adoption of mobile healthcare, and I’m proud to say it’s working. Together, we’ve educated thousands of providers, payers, and policymakers about mobile healthcare and its impact.
Governments—both local and federal—healthcare systems, public health agencies, and corporations are now recognizing the value of the mobile healthcare model. Our hope is that the mobile clinic movement continues to grow and becomes part of the solution to intractable issues like access to care and health equity. Together, we can launch more clinics by sharing best practices and advancing research and policies to support and sustain our field.
Jennifer Bennet is a Senior Advisor at the Mobile Healthcare Association and a co-founder of Mobile Health Map. A respected leader, she is dedicated to advancing mobile clinics and improving healthcare access through innovative strategies and collaboration. With over 30 years in the social sector, she has championed vaccine equity and mobile health initiatives, earning recognition from the American Heart Association and the Mobile Health Clinics Network for her impactful contributions and strategic innovation.
