The basics of requesting the Mobile Health Van

The National Health Ministries (NHM) relies on Presbyterian congregations/organizations in guiding us to where the Health Mission on the Move (MOM) mobile unit will do the most good. The NHM strives to be an advocate for the underserved, fight injustice and advocate quality health care to all of God’s children. One way in which the NHM does this, is through our Health Mission on the Move program, affectionately called “MOM”.

MOM is a mobile health unit that provides health information, health screenings and a comprehensive health risk assessment. MOM travels to areas that have been historically medically underserved.

Requesting that MOM come to your area, is a process that will take quite a bit of planning. The NHM asks that you do all the “groundwork” when requesting a trip. This groundwork includes finding volunteers, finding an event/organization that has a good “client” base or a site that already has a core group of people in need of MOM’s services and also a location that is adequate enough to house MOM and all her equipment.

While the NHM has a database of volunteers from around the country, it is easier to have volunteers already in the area in which MOM is traveling. This cuts down on the expenses of volunteers coming from outside of the area. Also, volunteers already knowledgeable about some of the issues of the area will be very helpful when serving those in need, and finding volunteers already in the area cuts down on the need for housing for out of town volunteers.

We want to serve the most number of people in the short time frame that we have. Therefore, we suggest that MOM’s trip be partnered with an already established community organization/event. Examples of this are a health fair, weekly food bank, etc. Programs such as these already attract the individuals we are trying to reach, so, in a way, we are insuring that a greater number of individuals are taking advantage of this great service.

MOM is an RV that is 35 feet long with a lift that extends another 10 feet. We will also be setting up between five to ten tables outside MOM, depending on the size of the event. So, we need a space that can accommodate the RV and her “accessories.” Also, MOM needs power, so a power supply will need to be available close to the location.

For more information email Pat Gleich or call (888) 728-7228 x5793.