Is your organization in the process of purchasing a mobile medical clinic van, and are you wondering what areas of the U.S. to bring it to? Bringing the van to the wrong areas can lead to low patient turnout, ineffective reach, wasted resources, and can even cause a negative impact on your reputation.
Having manufactured hundreds of mobile medical clinic vans for organizations over the past decade, we know how important it is to ensure your investment reaches the right people. At AVAN Mobility, our goal is to help organizations like yours take your services to your clients and make primary healthcare accessible to everyone.
But how do you figure out which is the right place to bring it to? With so many remote areas needing mobile healthcare, it’s a tough decision. In this article, we will highlight five reasons for bringing your mobile medical clinic to California.
5 reasons to bring your mobile medical clinic van to California
California is an amazing place with cities, nature, and a lot of people. However, there are healthcare problems that need innovative solutions. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons why you should consider bringing your mobile medical clinic van to California.
1. Helping homeless people
Skid Row is in Los Angeles, California and it’s a tough place to live where many people don’t have homes or support. There are around 4,600 homeless people there. California has more homeless people than any other state in the country, and almost 70% of them don’t have a place to stay.
Approximately one-fifth of Skid Row’s residents are veterans, with a significant portion dealing with substance abuse and/or mental health issues.
Homeless people often don’t get the healthcare they need. With mobile medical clinic vans, you can bring medical help right to where they are. This can save lives by catching health problems early and offering a caring hand to those who need it the most.
Homeless individuals require outreach services beyond healthcare. For instance, veterans may need mental health support, while others may benefit from food bank services.
2. Reaching people in the rural areas
California is a big state and has a total area of 163,695 miles. Some places are very far from regular hospitals and doctors. These faraway areas are sometimes referred to as “healthcare deserts” because they don’t have enough healthcare. More than 6 million people live in these areas throughout California, and it’s hard for them to get the healthcare they need.
Some examples of these isolated areas include:
- Northern California mountains
- Central Valley
- Desert regions like the Mojave Desert
- Coastal communities
Mobile medical clinic vans can drive to these remote places, so people don’t have to travel far to see a doctor. This can save lives by making sure that everyone gets the care they need, no matter where they live.
3. Being ready for disasters
California experiences earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. In 2020, over 9,600 wildfires burned nearly 4.4 million acres. When disasters happen, mobile medical clinic vans can help immediately.
Being prepared for disasters means that you can help people quickly when things go wrong. Mobile clinics are like a light in dark times, making sure people get the care they need when they need it.
When earthquakes, wildfires, or floods happen in California, people get hurt. Mobile medical clinic vans bring help to those who are hurt or sick during disasters, and they make sure everyone is safe and cared for.
For example, areas of Southern California, Nevada, Northern California, and the California Central Coast experienced heavy rainfall between December 31, 2022, and March 25, 2023. This resulted in 22 deaths. In emergency disaster situations like this, mobile medical clinic vans are crucial for assisting people.
4. Preventing sickness
California boasts a diverse population; however, not everyone has convenient access to medical care. Some reasons why people can’t see a doctor in California include:
Location: We mentioned earlier that California is a big place with many rural and remote locations. In these remote locations, the nearest hospital is far away. It’s not easy to travel there, especially if you need to see a doctor regularly.
Money matters: Visiting a doctor is expensive, especially for people struggling financially. Some folks in California don’t have health insurance, and that means they have to pay a lot to see a doctor. Even with insurance, they might still need to pay out-of-pocket for healthcare.
Limited clinics: In certain regions, there aren’t enough clinics or healthcare centers to accommodate the entire population. This means people might have to wait a long time to get an appointment or get care.
Language and culture: California is a very diverse place, and sometimes people speak different languages or have different cultures. This can make it hard to talk to a doctor, so some folks avoid going to the doctor altogether.
Organizations can use mobile medical clinic vans to check on people dealing with the barriers we discussed and provide healthcare to prevent diseases. This is beneficial for everyone, as it promotes overall health and contributes to a reduction in the strain on hospitals.
5. Improving health education
Another compelling reason for bringing a mobile medical clinic to California is to enhance community health education. These clinics serve as mobile hubs of information and guidance.
You can use your mobile medical clinic van to host health education sessions. These sessions provide valuable information about nutrition, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices. The sessions also empower people with the knowledge to make better decisions about their health.
When your organization promotes health education, mobile clinics contribute to long-term improvements in community health. Informed individuals are more likely to make healthier choices, reducing the prevalence of chronic illnesses and the strain on the healthcare system.
The focus on health education amplifies the positive impact of mobile medical clinics in California, ensuring that residents not only receive medical care but also gain the knowledge to lead healthier lives.
Hope in motion: A mobile medical clinic van example
Meet Jake, a homeless individual living on the streets of Skid Row in California. He faced a daily struggle with health issues, but seeing a doctor seemed like an impossible dream.
Then, one day, a mobile medical clinic van pulled up near his makeshift shelter. A compassionate nurse, Emily, welcomed him inside. Jake was nervous, but Emily’s warm smile put him at ease.
During the check-up, they discovered a serious health condition that needed immediate attention. Jake was scared, but Emily assured him that they would provide the care he needed.
The mobile clinic arranged for him to see a specialist and even helped him get the required medications. Over time, his health improved. Jake’s life began to change, thanks to the care he received from the mobile clinic.
Now, Jake not only has his health back, but he also has hope. He’s working on finding stable housing and rebuilding his life. This example shows how mobile medical clinic vans are lifelines for homeless individuals like Jake, bringing not only medical care but also a chance for a better future.
Take a quick look at the video below that highlights the Mobile Clinic Van we manufacture at AVAN Mobility.
Mobile medical clinic vans: Making lives better one state at a time
In the end, bringing your mobile medical clinic to California isn’t just a good idea; it’s a way to save lives. By helping homeless people, reaching faraway places, being ready for disasters, preventing sickness, and improving health education, your organization is saving lives and making California a healthier and safer place.
Your mobile medical clinic isn’t just a healthcare van; it’s a lifeline for people in need. California is waiting for your mobile clinic, ready to welcome the help and hope it brings. In a place as diverse and lively as California, your mobile clinic can truly save lives and make a difference.
The Road Ahead: Your Next Steps at AVAN Mobility
You might’ve come to this article feeling a little puzzled about where to bring your mobile medical clinic van in the United States.
If you’ve made it this far, you now know that California is an area that’s shining with possibilities for people who need mobile healthcare.
At AVAN Mobility, our Mobile Medical Clinic Van is used to provide primary healthcare to underserved populations across the U.S. We manufacture these vans to break down barriers to healthcare like:
- Mobility issues
- Lack of transportation
- Remote areas with no healthcare
- Language barriers
- Wait times
If you’re interested in taking the leap and starting a mobile clinic, talk to an expert today.
Alternatively, if you’re still unsure about starting a mobile medical clinic, take a look at these two articles:
