Mobile reproductive health clinics

Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

  • This strategy can help residents access health services. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
  • Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Program overview

  • Medically equipped vans with clinicians that offer reproductive health services
  • The primary goal is to provide care to people who would not be able access health services otherwise
  • Vans may be equipped with a waiting room, exam areas, an education area, a laboratory, and other facilities
  • Typically serve vulnerable populations such as low-income or uninsured individuals in both urban and rural areas
  • May partner with hospitals, health care systems, or public health departments
Issue Areas
Health and well-being
Outcomes
Supportive neighborhoods
Strategies
Increasing access to health care
Reproductive health and education
Target Population
Community-wide
Cost per Participant
Not available

Evidence and impacts

Strong

Ranked as having the second-highest level of evidence by County Health Rankings and Roadmaps

  • Increased initiation of prenatal care in the first trimester (demonstrated among Hispanic immigrants in urban areas)
  • Provision of adequate prenatal care
  • Less likelihood of preterm deliveries

Best practices in implementation

  • Note: This content is under review
  • Engaging communities throughout the planning process can establish trust and enable improved communication and program satisfaction for all stakeholders once initiatives are operational.
  • Programs should seek to remove transportation barriers, insurance and financial barriers, linguistic and cultural barriers, and legal status barriers for patients.
  • Programs should focus on early preventative screening and patient education and empowerment.
  • Clinics should be staffed not only by licensed medical professionals but also by those with high degrees of professional and cultural competency.

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