Taking it to the streets

Thanks to a grant from Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, IU Health has a new mobile health unit that is providing hypertension screenings and vaccinations to medically underserved neighborhoods throughout Marion County.

Funded by a $125,000 grant, the Community Health Vehicle allows IU Health’s Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team to hit the streets to address the continuing need for point-of-care testing and vaccinations, including for COVID and flu. The COE team has an established record with this approach. During the pandemic, the team set up more than 42 COVID-19 vaccination clinics in some of the Marion County’s most underserved communities. The new van also ensures that IU Health is prepared in the case of future healthcare challenges.

“To achieve our goal of improving the health of all Hoosiers, we can’t wait until people get sick and come to us,” said Cassandra Tice, director of grants with IU Health Foundation. “We need to meet people where they are to prevent illness. The Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield grant allows us to do exactly that.”

With the van customized for transporting supplies, equipment and technology, the COE team can more efficiently deliver services, including hosting vaccination clinics and health screenings. The van is traveling to community-based organizations that IU Health partners with, including churches, schools and neighborhood associations. This work is part of COE’s focus on providing equitable healthcare in underserved communities.

“Our community needs easier access to vaccinations and screenings,” said Tyrone Humphrey, MS, IU Health director of Community Outreach & Engagement. “We are grateful to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield for funding this common-sense solution to meet that need.”