Vol.5.2022
“Deploying Mobile Clinics” During a Pandemic
During his visit to Pfizer last February, President Biden emphasized that with new Covid-19 Relief Plan funding - “for folks who aren’t near a pharmacy or mass-vaccination center, we are deploying mobile clinics. These are special vehicles and pop-up clinics that meet folks where they live, folks who don’t have access to transportation to get the (vaccination) shot.” This was an historic moment for mobile healthcare with Presidential recognition of mobile clinics as an essential tool for providing vital healthcare services for underserved, vulnerable populations.
Mobile Clinics Have Come a Long Way
Twenty years ago, limited available funding from federal/state agencies launched a few hundred mobile clinics primarily for preventive care outreach; and, a small number of philanthropic donors supported mammography mobile units. Today, expanded avenues of support have advanced the number of mobile clinics to well over 2,000 nationwide, providing a broad spectrum of care including primary care, oral health, HIV testing, eye care, audiology testing, behavioral health, and now with an emphasis on Covid testing and vaccinations.
Mobile Clinics in High Demand
If your organization wishes to acquire a mobile clinic, keep in mind that because of the high demand for mobile health clinics during the pandemic and continuing supply chain issues, delivery timelines from manufacturers have increased to as much as eighteen months and prices have increased significantly.
There are numerous manufacturers that specialize in new or conversion custom-built mobile clinics and the Authority can help you identify which company can best meet your needs. However, if your timeline is urgent and/or budget is limited, consider purchasing a pre-owned mobile clinic … check out the Authority website for current inventory and/or contact us regarding units for sale that are coming soon.
And, special thanks to President Biden for the mobile clinics shout-out!
Sincerely,
Darien
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CEO & President
Mobile Health Care Authority
(619) 795-9604
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Preference for an all NEW mobile clinic (with new chassis and new interior build-out): The Authority can refer you to our vendor partners who specialize in building custom health vehicles (medical, dental, audiology, or specialty care) that meet your unique requirements and budget. Average delivery timeline: 9-12 (often 12-18) months, depending on available chassis and related build-out materials.
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Consider the CONVERSION option (building a new interior clinic on a currently available used chassis). Average delivery timeline: 3-4 months, depending on clinic requirements.
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PRE-OWNED/USED mobile clinics. If your need is immediate and budget limited, the Authority regularly lists on our website mobile clinics being sold by healthcare/dental providers.
Wanted! Used Mobile Clinics. If your organization has a medical or dental mobile clinic for sale, contact us to discuss our marketing services and how we can introduce you to potential buyers.
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Institutes for Behavior Health (MD). “The deal is done! Drivers are returning with check as we speak. Thank you for your help. We couldn’t have sold the unit without you.”
Professional Dental Services (NY). “I let my baby (truck) go. We helped many people over the years in service and I am really grateful for your help. We were kind of desperate to sell the truck and I was about to give it away for donation.”
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Bethesda Community Clinic (GA). “We love the unit you helped us refurbish. Thanks for all your help!”
Reach for Home (CA). “We are ready to move forward (with the purchase). Thank you again for your help in finding the right mobile clinic for us.”
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Christenson Health Services (UT). "Thank you for your services in helping to sell my mobile medical clinic. I contacted you and it was clear you would likely find a buyer soon. You made the pricing straightforward and I knew exactly what to expect. As the potential buyers came forward, I felt your communication was excellent. You found a good home for our mobile unit, as a good price. It was really a great experience."
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Travelers Mobile Dental, Health & Wellness (CA). “Thanks you for all your assistance in our quest to buy a mobile dental van. Your advice and guidance has made it possible for us to launch our dental services.”
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Our dear friend and mobile healthcare loyalist, Jim Goodwin, passed away last December after a long courageous battle with cancer. Jim attended the very first Mobile Healthcare Association conference in Denver in 2005, the last few years assuming the responsibility of directing the placement of up to as many as 16 vehicles on display at the Association’s annual Forum. The presence of his warmth and gracious being will be missed by many. To honor Jim, the Association has created the Jim Goodwin Excellence Award, a scholarship awarded to a driver each year to attend the Annual Conference. |
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Deb Rivera, Iva & Jim Goodwin, Darien, Melissa Maney (2014 Annual Conference)
From Mobile Health Map in collaboration with the Mobile Healthcare Association: Available to all mobile clinics, the MobilizeHealth Toolkit is a collection of pandemic related resources covering essential topics such as safety and infection control, adaptive leadership, change management, and community engagement. Mobile Clinics SURVEY ~ a call for participants and plans to share the collected information with the White House Covid-19 Response Team. Contact: (617) 442-3200
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Q. What is the difference between a vehicle bought from an RV dealership verses one bought directly from the manufacturer's factory?
A. The factory built is considered "commercial-grade", with components such as heavier-duty thicker flooring and steps, steel belt line at top of side walls for installing cabinets, and larger storage compartments to hold more powerful generators.
Q. Are there ADA regulations that require a mobile clinic to have a wheel chair lift?
A. No. This issue is left by ADA for states to regulate and most do not require a lift (or a ramp). It's best to check with your individual State Health & Safety Code. In general, States require that you make some accommodation for a person with disabilities. Accommodations can mean an action that results in services, programs, or activities being readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities. "Accommodations" may include making reasonable modifications in policies, practices, and procedures; furnishing, at no charge, to persons with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services, equipment devices, materials in alternative formats, readers, or certified interpreters for persons with hearing impairments; relocating services or programs to accessible facilities; or providing services at alternative sites.
Q. Explain the baseline for a Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
A. The weight (not the length) of the vehicle dictates if a CDL is required. In most states it's 26,001+ lbs. Check your State Bus & Truck Regulations, Air Resource Board, or contact the local DMV office.
Q. We're in California and have a 2004 diesel Class A medical clinic. What are the emissions regulations?
A. Beginning January 1, 2020 diesel trucks older than 2011 must meet State regulations, or they will be blocked from being registered by the CA State DMV. These vehicles must be replaced with a 2011 or newer vehicle or re-powered with a 2010 or newer engine. You can apply with the DMV for an exemption if the vehicle is driven less than 1,000 miles per year.
Q. The tire tread looks good on a used mobile clinic we are thinking of buying. What is the rule of thumb to determine if the tires need replacement?
A. Each tire has an imprinted date code on the exterior tire wall, such as 11/2018 (meaning the week/year). If the vehicle is to be driven long-distance for the initial transport and frequently thereafter, tires should be replaced if more than 5-years old. Caution: they may look good on the outside, but they deteriorate from the inside.
The Authority website offers valuable Resources related to mobile healthcare. Check out Mobile Clinic News for a list of published articles and health specialty vehicle basic terms (chassis styles, clinic conversions, commercial-driver license/CDL, etc). Also, we have available to buyers a list of nationwide finance companies with experience in funding the purchase of health specialty vehicles. For assistance with the FAQs above and other questions, contact the Authority.
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Contact Information: Mobile Health Care Authority
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