Mobile Clinics in the United States and the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Response Strategy Model

Abstract

Mobile health clinics are critical avenues for reaching underserved populations. There are over 2,000 mobile clinics serving 7 million individuals annually. Costs per patient are low compared to stationary clinics. Further, they play a critical role in reducing healthcare access disparities by ensuring healthcare is delivered at the doorstep of patients. However, this model of healthcare delivery is a tool that has rarely been considered for dealing with emergencies such as a pandemic. The case of the COVID-19 pandemic illustrates several potential areas where mobile clinic programs can play a critical role. Apart from the role mobile clinics have played in improving COVID-19 testing for under-resourced populations, and the current efforts to play a role in expanding vaccination, there are other proposed initiatives these programs can play. Establishing a comprehensive approach to incorporate mobile clinics in our entire health system, would not only be effective for addressing health outcomes of under-resourced patient populations, but will also contribute to the success of a national pandemic response. Mobile healthcare clinics are a vital part of national healthcare solutions, and it is time to recognize their broader poten- tial, and include them in preparation efforts for current and future health crises.