‘This Is More Than a Vehicle, It’s a Lifeline’

By: UPMC

Accessing health care can be challenging for residents in remote regions, where transportation barriers and other social determinants of health often hinder their ability to receive timely medical attention. UPMC’s Mobile Health Center is designed to eliminate these barriers, bringing essential services such as preventative screenings, vaccinations, and health education right to patients’ neighborhoods and community facilities.

“This is more than a vehicle — it is a lifeline to those who may not have access to preventive care,” explained Kari Kurtz, director, Community Outreach, UPMC in North Central Pa. “By bringing care into the community, we’re addressing critical gaps in health care access. Just as importantly, we encourage community members to advocate for their needs, working with us to shape services that provide the personalized care they deserve.”

Read more about UPMC’s latest groundbreaking care method in the February issue of First Friday.