Mobile health coming to rural Michigan; college faculty, staff and students hit the road

Rural Michigan residents who can't make it to a health care clinic need not worry. The health clinic is coming to them. Funded by a $500,000 grant, the Herbert H. & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University is rolling out its "39-foot motor home that will serve rural Michigan residents by providing access to high-quality health care and preventative health education through community outreach efforts," reports the Midland Daily News.

Called Mobile Health Central, the motor home will act as an extension of the college's Carls Center for Clinical Care and Education, "which serves more than 8,000 patients each year in the Health Professions building on CMU’s Mount Pleasant campus," the News writes. "The goal is to improve health and quality of life by reaching into communities through local partnerships and collaborations to address gaps in access to health care services."

"The cost of the services provided will be similar to what a patient would pay if visiting the Carls Center on CMU’s campus; however, it is hoped that free services could be provided through sponsors or investors. Many insurances are accepted," the News writes. "While not uncommon in the field of medicine, the Mobile Health Central vehicle is unique to a college campus, CMU stated. Equipped with medical necessities such as exam tables, sinks and a soundproof booth for hearing testing, it will provide additional training opportunities for CMU health professions students and interdisciplinary partnership opportunities in health care research across campus." (Read more)