Page 19 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide

Here are some key questions to answer:

• What are the most common languages spoken in the community?
• Is there a cultural shorthand, vernacular or slang?

• What religions are most commonly practiced, and do they govern day-to-day life?

• Who are the formal and informal community leaders?

• What are the day-to-day obstacles that might make accessing healthcare a challenge?

• Are there stigmas attached to pressing healthcare needs?

• Are schools, hospitals or other institutions struggling?

• Are there rural or remote community outposts that are underserved?

• What is the relationship like among the sub-populations within the community?

• What do their schedules look like? If this is a working-class population, are weekends or
evenings the only time services will be accessed?

• Does the population shift seasonally?

• Is public transportation limited?

• Are community members willing to access mobile care?

• Are there existing options for care that are not being utilized? If so, why?

Reaching the right partners
Your initial discovery period can also function as a vetting process
for potential collaborators, partner organizations or funders . The The right partner
right partner organizations can help sustain and grow your pro- organizations can help
gram by providing service sites, logistics and marketing man- sustain and grow your
agement, referral services and, of course, money . Each partner program by providing service
has a role to play and requires a different strategy.
sites, logistics and marketing
Working with your parent organization management, referral
If you’re part of a hospital, clinic or other healthcare network, services and,
you may have already solved your funding source issue . But just
because you know where the money comes from doesn’t mean of course, money.
that you won’t have to produce a business plan that demonstrates
the need you’re addressing and the return on your parent organiza-
tion’s investment .

MOBILE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION 17