From Mobile Health Clinics (MHCs) to Connecting Communities & Care

A few days ago, we had a wonderful event as BBF donated a mobile health clinic to Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Center for Inclusion Health (CIH). Led by Dr. Elizabeth Cuevas, Division Chair, AHN CIH, the most exciting and meaningful portion of the morning was speaking to the care givers firsthand and seeing how the MHC would be utilized to help so many of our underserved community members. 

Some of you may recall that my last article related to the day-to-day challenges of life as my parents relocated to the Pittsburgh area. As the days go by, through firsthand experience, conversations with so many senior facility residents, expressions of gratitude from those being served by the mobile clinic programs, and meaningful discussions with caregivers, the importance of BBF’s work to assist vulnerable members of our communities becomes even more apparent.

BBF’s mobile clinic program continues to grow with an increasing number of organizations either already working with us, requesting MHCs, or asking for additional support for their programs. Our discussions have made the different facets of helping address the needs of our community more visible.  Just recently, I spoke with Dr. Jake Waxman, the UPMC ophthalmologist, who along with program manager, Zeila Hobson, is the force behind the EyeVan’s work. Both he, Dr. Cathrine Palmer, who dedicates her services to the Communications (audiology) van program, and Dr. Cuevas, AHN’s selfless care provider, were all for collaborating to address different aspects of the healthcare needs in our marginalized communities.

With email introductions already underway, introductory meetings planned, the concept of a Community of Practice being implemented, your support is enabling BBF to be the bridge between Pittsburgh’s major healthcare systems and also better serve the healthcare needs of our underserved community members in other parts of the country. In addition to providing mobile clinics, BBF is working to evaluate and support programs by effectively utilizing a business plan – where we model revenues, expenses, growth, and all other aspects of developing a successful initiative. In such a scenario, programs initially supported by philanthropy will ideally be on a path to self-sustainment through insurance reimbursements and savings in healthcare costs, while continuing our mission of assisting those most in need. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The following excerpt from AHN’s press release summarizes how the van is going to help make an impact in the community.

The 21-foot van, known as the ‘Inclusion Health mobile clinic… will be used routinely to provide health screenings and exams across Western Pennsylvania for adults who experience social vulnerability and insufficient access to health care programs and services. Following each exam, the care team will work to connect patients with local health and social resources.

The vehicle will also be stationed at all CIH mobile events, including the event today in West Mifflin. The events provide access to wrap-around resources, such as health assessments, testing for HIV/Hep-C, distribution of food/hygiene products/clothing, linkage to housing services, Veteran Affairs representation, and more.

“We are extremely grateful to Brother’s Brother Foundation for this significant donation, which enables us to expand our Urban Health Outreach program and reach even more people across our region, guiding them toward improved health and wellness,” said Liz Cuevas, MD, division chief, AHN CIH.

“BBF is delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with AHN and support CIH’s tremendously impactful work in the community.  We look forward to collaborating with Dr. Cuevas and her team in assisting some of the most vulnerable members of society,” said Ozzy Samad, president, Brother’s Brother Foundation.

As we celebrate the inauguration of the Inclusion Health mobile clinic and look forward to its impact on our communities, please accept a thank you to you from the bottom of our hearts for your steadfast and resolute support of this work!