NewYork-Presbyterian is partnering with March of Dimes to launch a mobile health vehicle targeting underserved communities in New York City where access to care is limited
NewYork-Presbyterian is going mobile to address maternal health disparities in New York City.
The health system is partnering with March of Dimes to roll out the Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center to underserved communities in The Big Apple. The mobile health vehicle will offer pregnancy, post-birth, and women’s health services to residents who can’t or don’t access healthcare services on a regular basis, regardless of insurance coverage.
Nationwide, hundreds of health systems and hospitals have launched mobile health programs aimed at addressing key population health concerns, targeting communities where access to care is difficult. Mobile maternal health programs are particularly vital given the nation’s high maternal mortality rate.
Locally, according to the March of Dimes, one out of every 18 births in NYC involves a woman who received little or no prenatal care.
[Also read: Address Your Toughest Care Gaps With Mobile Health Clinics.]
"The Mom & Baby Mobile Health Center offers a bridge to care," Auja McDougale, MD, the mobile center's medical director and an obstetrician/ gynecologist at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, said in a press release. "Bringing patients into the healthcare system so they have ongoing much-needed medical care is vital for healthy moms and healthy babies."
The 40-foot-long vehicle will be staffed by NYP providers and offer full obstetric and well-woman exams, prenatal and postpartum care, screenings for cervical cancer and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), breast exams, vaccination, laboratory testing, ultrasounds, contraceptive counseling, mental health screenings and referrals, and education about caring for a newborn with breastfeeding support for new mothers.
Eric Wicklund is the associate content manager and senior editor for Innovation at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
One in every 18 births in NYC involves a woman who had little or no access to prenatal care.
Health systems and hospitals across the country are pushing services out to underserved communities through mobile health units.
NewYork-Presbyterian will offer a wide range of pregnancy, post-birth, and women’s health services through a specially-equipped van, which will be staffed by NYP providers.