COLUMBUS, Ohio — Central Ohioans have a new way to connect to mobile health units in order to find and reach nearby services in real-time.
The Central Ohio Mobile Consortium (COMC), is a partnership of 10 local entities and health organizations that are aiming to reach people through mobile health units, which bring services into communities to provide preventive services, care for illnesses and help with chronic conditions.
COMC released a new Mobile Health Locator app, where users can search and filter by date, location, health service needed and insurance type. The app will also guide show whether walk-in appointments are accepted or how to schedule one.
“We want to meet people where they are, whether that is in the neighborhood or close to school, to help improve access to care and build healthier communities,” said Mary Kay Irwin, senior director of school health services for Nationwide Children’s Hospital, which is spearheading the project. “Mobile units bring a range of primary care or urgent care services to people who may not have easy access to traditional health care facilities.”
Services include checkups, sick visits, vaccinations, blood work, sports physicals, primary care mental health services, maternal prenatal care, referrals to specialists and urgent care services.
The units are staffed by COMC partners including: Columbus Division of Fire, Columbus Public Health, Franklin County Public Health, Equitas Health, Mount Carmel, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OhioHealth, The Ohio State University, Central Outreach Wellness Center and The Breathing Association.
“The Mobile Health Locator app is a place where everyone in your family can find care,” said Lauren Van Petten, mobile consortium project manager. “Imagine seeing a mobile unit but not knowing what services it offers or having the confidence to go knock on the door. The app makes it easier to find that care with confidence.”
Mobile providers first came together during 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are thrilled to be a part of the COMC and to contribute to the launch of the Mobile Health Locator app,” said Rebecca Barbeau, MBA, director, OhioHealth Community Health Partnerships. “This innovative tool will significantly enhance access to health care services for residents across central Ohio, allowing them to easily locate and schedule appointments with mobile health units in their neighborhoods. At OhioHealth, we are committed to improving community health and addressing health care gaps, and this partnership exemplifies our dedication to making health care more accessible and convenient for everyone.”
Funding for the app's development, and for the work of the mobile providers, came through commitments from CareSource and Franklin County Public Health.
To download the app, search the app store for “Mobile Health Locator,” for Apple or Android devices and tap download. Alternatively, visit MobileHealthLocator.com to use the tool.
