Meeting patients where they are: That’s the simple but impactful mission behind UNC Health Johnston’s Mobile Outreach Unit.
The bus is equipped with various medical equipment, an exam table and a consultation area.
Leah Johnson works as UNC Health Johnston’s community outreach coordinator. She explained the goal of the mobile unit is to serve as the first point of care while connecting patients to primary care physicians and long-term resources.
“We work with the patient from the moment we’re creating their medical chart in our electronic system, to getting them registered for their appointment, connecting them with a physician, helping them figure out how to go to the hospital to get their labs drawn, helping them pay for that and helping them pay for medication if they need it,” shared Johnson.
Registrations for most clinics and screenings are not required.
Many of the walk-in patients Johnson sees are uninsured.
“It feels like all the time we run into diabetics and people with high blood pressure who know they have a diagnosis, who have previously been on medication, but because they’re uninsured they have let their health fall to the wayside,” said Johnson.
The Mobile Outreach Unit holds five urgent care clinics each month spread throughout Johnston County. Clinics are often held on weekends or after hours on weekdays to help with accessibility.
Clinics are open to patients between 6 months and 65 years of age.
Some screenings have additional requirements for eligibility, for example lung cancer screenings through the Mobile Outreach Unit require patients to have a long-term history of smoking.
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