UVA Health launches mobile care unit to help communities with challenges accessing care

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) -- UVA Health has launched a mobile care unit to help bring healthcare to communities that have challenges accessing care. On Thursday, Jan. 9, UVA Health announced it had launched a mobile care unit to make it easier for patients who have trouble accessing traditional healthcare facilities to receive the care that they need. "A key goal in our strategic plan is to cultivate healthy communities and a sense of belonging for all,” said K. Craig Kent, MD, chief executive officer of UVA Health and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Virginia. “Our new mobile care unit will help us do just that by bringing care directly to patients in need and close to their homes.” UVA Health said the mobile care unit is designed to help patients in multiple ways: If they don’t yet have a regular care provider, the mobile care unit team can provide the initial round of care and then help patients establish care at a brick-and-mortar outpatient clinic. If they would like to be seen for a non-emergent situation and cannot wait for an appointment with their regular care provider. To serve as their primary care provider if they do not wish to establish care in one of its brick-and-mortar outpatient clinics. The mobile care unit will be staffed by the health system's care providers and will include services such as general health check-ups, chronic disease management, pediatric care, women's health and more, according to UVA Health. UVA Health's mobile care unit (Photo courtesy: UVA Health)A ribbon cutting ceremony for UVA Health's mobile care unit (Photo courtesy: UVA Health) UVA Health reportedly received $347,060 in federal funding to purchase and equip the mobile care unit, which Kent said was supported by the efforts of Virginia senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner. “It’s no surprise that communities thrive when folks have greater access to health care,” Warner said. “I’m thrilled to see UVA Health take yet another step to bring health services to those who need it by launching this mobile care unit, and I was proud to support that effort with more than $347,000 in federal funding. I look forward to seeing these tires hit the road to serve more Virginians.” Patients may make appointments by calling 434-297-7800. Walk-in patients are also welcome. The mobile care unit makes regular, twice-a-month visits to the following locations in Fifeville and Southwood neighborhoods in the Charlottesville area: Fifeville Second Tuesday each month: 2 to 6 p.m. at Abundant Life Ministries, located at 782 Prospect Ave. in Charlottesville Fourth Tuesday each month: 2 to 6 p.m. at Independent Resource Center, located at 815 Cherry Ave. in Charlottesville Southwood Second and Fourth Wednesday each month: 2 to 6 p.m. at Habitat for Humanity Southwood Community Center, located at 387 Hickory St. in Charlottesville