Through collaborative efforts like the Mobile Health Initiative (MHI), we are working to address health disparities and implement innovative models of healthcare. MHI unites University health professionals and students with organizations that understand the barriers their communities face, including transportation, costs, language barriers, and the mistrust that can be caused by the limited cultural competency of healthcare institutions.
Since 2020, MHI has had hundreds of events and seen thousands of people throughout the state, many in rural areas. They have provided hundreds of wellness checks and immunizations, and many more services including dental, vision, nutrition, pharmacy, referrals, and emergent community response for new arrivals to the state. This summer, MHI has continued its work with migrant farm workers to improve access to quality medical care in these rural underserved communities.
Though born out of the pandemic as a response to declines in preventative healthcare, mobile health is here to stay. The value of mobile healthcare is clear: It helps save lives and reduce costs by providing care and information early, rather than treating serious and chronic health problems downstream, oftentimes too late.
Through MHI, we are preparing learners with valuable skills in front-line healthcare delivery and improving health access in communities across Minnesota.
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