More than 44 million persons in the United States do not have health insurance, including 11 million uninsured children. In order to overcome these obstacles, the University of Maryland School of Nursing has collaborated with the state of Maryland to develop and operate a mobile health care outreach program. This innovative program, The Governor's Wellmobile, a 33-foot long van, promotes and provides health care to many of Maryland's uninsured and underinsured populations by providing "curb-to-curb" service throughout many communities in the state. Currently, there are four Wellmobiles providing health services in Central Maryland, the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and Western Maryland. Each Wellmobile is equipped with two examination rooms, an intake / education area, and a Clia waiver-approved laboratory.
This coordinated service delivery is achieved by collaborative efforts of the University of Maryland with local health departments, hospitals, community organizations, local Federally Qualified Health Centers, and managed care organizations. Wrap around services, such as diagnostics and specialty services, are secured through community partnerships with a variety of health care providers. This integrated network plays an important role in ensuring that low-income, uninsured individuals have appropriate access to care. Additionally, the Wellmobile Program supports the learning needs of the undergraduate community health students, graduate level nurse practitioner students, and interdisciplinary training in collaboration with the University of Maryland's School of Pharmacy and School of Social Work.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant of this session will be able to: 1.Identify groups that are in need of access to health care. 2.Construct links to public and private resources to promote and deliver comprehensive care to uninsured and underinsured populations. 3.Assess the long-term effects of the Governor's Wellmobile on improving access to care for this indigent population. 4.Discuss ways to promote enhanced funding and policy in support of health care to the underserved.
Keywords: Access to Care, Vulnerable Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Maryland
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.