Learning Objective #1: Describe a mobile health program and its services provided to address health care disparities in rural Kentucky

Learning Objective #2: Describe the challenges of planning, implementing, operating, evaluating, and funding a mobile health program

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In the Commonwealth of Kentucky, accessibility, availability, and affordability of health care are barriers faced by those living in rural regions. Many rural Kentuckians have no health insurance or are underinsured, creating regions where families are underserved and at risk for perpetual health decline. The purpose of this study is to describe the planning, operation, evaluation and funding of a mobile health program that was implemented to address healthcare disparities in our region. In 2001, the Nursing Department procured a mobile unit to provide health promotion/health education activities as well as screening services to underserved populations in our region. The uniqueness of this program is that students from various health-related disciplines provide all services under the direction of clinical faculty. A clinical coordinator oversees the mobile health unit (MHU), which serves rural communities four days per week. The MHU has participated in 324 events/outings and provided over 12,000 services to nearly 5,700 clients. A total of 1,377 students have worked 8,856 hours providing health screenings and education as well as dental cleanings and sealants. The MHU has successfully engaged students in the provision of health promotion, health education and screening services to underserved populations in a 10-county area. The program has also encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration among health care and human service providers. The mobile health program anticipates the following long-term benefits: 1) enhanced accessibility and affordability of preventive and primary care services; 2) improved quality of life for citizens in rural underserved regions of Kentucky; and 3) ultimately, reduced health care costs through promotion of healthier lifestyles and early detection of disease.