Mobilizing a narrative of generosity: Patient experiences on an urban mobile health clinic

Publication: Communication Quarterly

Mobile health clinics address the health needs of underserved populations by bringing healthcare to patients’ communities. Mobile health clinics find unique ways to treat patients and empower them to take control of their health. This study examines how patients who use an urban mobile health clinic, The Family Van, narrate their experiences on the clinic and what they see as the impact of the clinic on the community. A narrative of generosity emerged from the interviews, where patients believe the mobile health clinic creates a sense of welcome, encourages patients to become active participants in their health, and fosters a “pay it forward” attitude among community members.