Page 10 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide

Congratulations! You’ve begun a journey that will improve the health and wellness in your com-
munity . No doubt you’ve already seen the impact that a lack of access can have, and are now
poised to be a part of a local solution .

Central to the success of this program is establishing trust-based relationships . To reach com-
munity members, you must not only consider the logistical elements of launching a new program
but also map out strategies to ensure that you include community members in the planning, im-
plementation and execution of your project . Strong relationships with partners, local leaders and
community members will reduce barriers and ensure that your program has the desired impact .

By choosing to make care convenient you have already signaled that your Program recognizes
how challenging it is to be and remain healthy . Many of the most vulnerable in our communities
feel disenfranchised and lack trust in healthcare systems . Ensuring that the providers you select
reflect the communities you hope to serve — and are well versed in the cultural norms of those
neighborhoods — will go a long way to signaling that you value them and recognize that culture
impacts service delivery. Hiring staff that are from the target community and partnering with local
organizations can positively impact your patients’ or clients’ experience of care .
1

Gaining the trust of your clients happens long before they step foot in
your mobile clinic . Chances are they will have unconsciously assessed
Central to the success the appearance of the vehicle itself, as well as the composition of

of this program is your staff. To gain clients’ trust and keep them coming back, your
team will need to think about how to provide health information
establishing trust-based in a way that is easily understood in spoken, written and visu-
relationships… Gaining the trust al formats . When developing your marketing plan, be sure to
of your clients happens long think about how the vehicle will be welcoming, comfortable and
efficient. When designing your vehicle, consider the social and
before they step foot in
cultural norms of your entire client population . Ensure it is visually
your mobile clinic. welcoming for example and represents the populations you serve .

In addition to community members, you should be working with part-
ners who will provide follow-up care or address other needs like housing
or food insecurity . These organizations will be vital to your success in both reaching potential cli-
ents and achieving shared goals . As you think about your service model, your partners can help
gather insight and intelligence from the community you’re both trying to serve .

What’s most important, however, is that you trust that your current and potential clients know
what they need to be healthy — but you need to ask them! Health data from public health depart-
ments and hospitals can often be outdated, so when you start to build your menu of services, get
the input of community members and test your assumptions . This will help you assess current
needs and identify locations for your service .

1 Note that while programs use both “patients” and “clients” to refer to the individuals they serve, in this Guide we’ll use clients from now on .

8 MOBILE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM STAR T-UP GUIDE