Starting a mobile medical clinic is an exciting venture, but it can also feel like a daunting task. You might be wondering where to even begin. The thought of choosing the best location to launch your clinic might be keeping you up at night. After all, selecting the right area can make or break your clinic’s success.
We understand how you feel because we’ve seen many organizations just like yours go through the same worries and questions. It’s perfectly normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Over the past decade, AVAN Mobility has been on a mission to remove barriers to healthcare and make it accessible for everyone. We do that by manufacturing four different types of mobile medical vehicles that a wide range of industries use.
We’ve worked with hundreds of organizations like yours and manufactured customized mobile medical clinics that save lives. When it comes to mobile medical vehicles, we know what works. Check out the video below for one example of a client we worked with.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the top 5 areas in the U.S. to start a mobile medical clinic. You’ll learn about the key factors that make these locations ideal for deploying your mobile health vehicle. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of where to focus your efforts, making your journey to starting a mobile clinic smoother and more informed. Let’s get started!
Where are the best areas to start a mobile medical clinic in the U.S.?
Learning how to start a mobile health clinic can be a confusing task. Figuring out where to deploy your new mobile health unit can be even more confusing. In this section, we’ll break down the top five areas in which to start a mobile health clinic.
1. California
California is an excellent place to start a mobile medical clinic. Here’s why:
High homeless population: California has over 160,000 homeless people, the largest in the U.S. Homeless individuals face more health problems due to poor living conditions, lack of regular healthcare, and difficulties managing chronic diseases.
Significant healthcare spending on disabilities: Around 38% of California’s healthcare spending goes to the 7 million people with disabilities. This highlights the substantial healthcare needs within the state. A mobile health clinic can address these needs by bringing healthcare directly to those who need it most.
Imagine your mobile clinic setting up in places like:
- Los Angeles’ Skid Row
- San Francisco’s Tenderloin District
These areas have a high demand for medical services. Your mobile health unit can provide essential services such as:
- Vaccinations
- Chronic disease management
- Mental health support
- Basic medical care
Starting a mobile clinic in California means stepping into a community that desperately needs your services. You’ll make a real difference in people’s lives by providing healthcare to those who might otherwise go without. Your efforts will lead to better health outcomes and a healthier community.
2. Texas
Why is Texas another prime location for starting a mobile medical clinic?
Large and diverse population: Texas has a rapidly growing population, currently over 29 million people. This includes many underserved communities, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.
High rate of uninsured residents: Texas has one of the country’s highest rates of uninsured residents, with about 17% of the population lacking health insurance. This creates a pressing need for accessible healthcare solutions. A mobile health clinic can bridge this gap by providing essential services to those without insurance.
Rural and remote areas: Many parts of Texas are rural, with limited access to healthcare facilities. Your mobile clinic can travel to these remote areas and offer critical healthcare services, such as:
- Preventive care
- Health screenings
- Vaccinations
- Basic medical treatments
Launching a mobile health unit in Texas means you can make a substantial impact by:
- Reducing healthcare disparities
- Improving health outcomes for underserved populations
- Providing convenient access to medical care
Texas is supportive of innovative healthcare solutions, making it a welcoming place for your mobile medical vehicle. When you address the healthcare needs in the state’s urban and rural areas, your clinic can thrive and make a real difference in people’s lives.
3. Florida
There are a couple of reasons why Florida is such a fantastic location to bring your mobile medical vehicle.
High elderly population: Florida has many older people living there, with over 21% of residents aged 65 and older. Almost 33% of the population will be over 60 by 2030. Older folks often need more healthcare, like help with long-term illnesses and check-ups. A mobile health clinic can bring these services right to them.
Help during natural disasters: Florida often experiences hurricanes and other natural disasters, making it difficult for people to get to a doctor. A mobile medical vehicle can be a big help during these times, offering medical care when regular clinics are closed.
For example, imagine a community in Florida that was badly stricken by a hurricane. The people in the community can’t make it to the hospital, which is already overflowing with patients. Your mobile health vehicle can be a lifeline that provides immediate care, medication distribution, and even mental health support.
Different communities: Florida has many different communities, including immigrants and low-income families who might struggle to get healthcare. Your mobile clinic can visit these areas and provide important services like:
- Health education
- Vaccinations
- Check-ups
- Help with long-term illnesses
4. New York
Bringing your mobile medical unit to New York City is another way you can help many people in need.
High population density: New York, especially New York City, is incredibly densely populated, with around 27,000 people for every square mile of space. Millions of people live in close quarters, which means there’s a huge demand for healthcare services.
A mobile medical unit can bring medical care directly to where people are. This makes it easier for them to get the help they need without long waits in packed hospitals or busy traffic.
Lots of public events: New York City is known for its numerous public events, such as street fairs, parades, and festivals. These events draw large crowds and provide excellent opportunities for a mobile health clinic to offer medical services on the spot. Setting up your clinic at these events allows you to reach a wide audience and provide immediate care, from basic health checks to non-emergency response.
Urban health challenges: Living in a crowded city brings unique health issues, like higher rates of asthma due to pollution. Your mobile health unit can address these specific problems by offering tailored care, like asthma management and screenings for urban-related health concerns.
In New York, you can:
- Partner with local schools to provide health education and screenings
- Collaborate with community organizations to reach more people
- Set up in busy areas to maximize the number of people you can help
5. Illinois
Lastly, Illinois, especially Chicago, is a great place to deploy your mobile medical unit.
Large population: Chicago has nearly 2.7 million people. The high population also means many people need healthcare. A mobile clinic can move around the city to help people in different neighborhoods.
Public health support: Illinois has strong health programs to help people get the care they need. The Illinois Department of Public Health is continuously working on plans to improve health for everyone. Your mobile health unit can support these efforts and reach more people.
Helping underserved areas: Some parts of Chicago, like the South and West sides, have less access to doctors and clinics. A mobile medical vehicle can bring healthcare to these areas, helping people who don’t have proper access to it.
Weather extremes: Chicago experiences extreme weather, from hot summers to cold winters. These weather conditions can make it difficult for people to travel to healthcare facilities. A mobile medical clinic can provide much-needed care during harsh weather conditions by going directly to the communities.
Learn more about the Mobile Clinic Van
The Mobile Clinic Van that we manufacture at AVAN Mobility is a “doctor’s office on wheels.” It features floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, a patient bed with under-bed storage, options for a sink and fridge, a reliable power supply, and rear heat & air conditioning.
It offers a clean, comfortable environment for both patients and staff. You can bring this clinic to any of the locations we’ve discussed above, ensuring quality healthcare wherever needed.
What are your next steps to starting a mobile medical clinic?
You came to this article looking for the best places to start your mobile medical clinic. Now, you know the top locations in the U.S. and why each one is uniquely suited for your clinic.
Throughout this article, you’ve learned about the specific needs and opportunities in California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois. Each state offers unique benefits when launching your mobile health clinic.
At AVAN Mobility, we’ve been leading the mobile medical vehicle industry for over 10 years, providing innovative solutions for accessible healthcare. Our experience in creating top-of-the-line mobile medical vehicles ensures you get the best tools to serve your community effectively. We are committed to helping you help others overcome barriers to healthcare and succeed in your mission.
We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, click the button below to talk to a mobility expert and start your journey towards making a difference with a mobile medical clinic.
If you’re not quite ready to speak to someone yet, we encourage you to check out our article on the costs of a mobile medical unit. Knowing this will give you some clarity when it comes time to budgeting.
You should also read our guide on applying for mobile health grants. Finding funding can be a big roadblock for some organizations, and it’ll help you navigate this process.
