Page 24 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide

Working with urban and rural communities
Every population has its own unique health profile. Demographics, geography, language — each
can influence one or more elements of your service. One critical variable is whether your com-
munity exists in an urban or rural setting . Here are a few things to consider when tailoring your
program for the city or country .

Urban Rural All Locations

Ensure that How long will it take Does your service
you maintain responders to reach area have a history of
appropriate working you in case of an violence?
relationships emergency?
with paramedics, Have you equipped
and local law Do you have backup your vehicle with
enforcement for communication security measures
Emergency
both the safety of in case you’re like alert buttons and
measures
patients and clients somewhere without trained staff on how
and for staff mobile coverage? to act in dangerous
situations?
Do you have a
backup power
source in case your
primary goes down?

Are there cultural Are there nearby Is there public
barriers that brick-and-mortar transportation to and
prevent clients healthcare programs from your vehicle?
Client from a different for referrals and
access neighborhood from follow-up care? Has lack of access
accessing your caused an increase
vehicle? in chronic medical
conditions?

Are there potholes, Will your vehicle be Will your vehicle have
construction or able to drive safely clearance under nearby
other elements to and from the site? trees, street signage
Terrain that might damage and local bridges?
or impede the Have you set up Are there any seasonal
vehicle? shelter outside the conditions such as
Are there any vehicle in case of snow or ice?
parking limitations? bad weather?

22 MOBILE HEALTH CARE PROGRAM STAR T-UP GUIDE