Children’s National Hospital has unveiled a new mobile medical unit designed to increase access to both physical and mental health care for children across the D.C. region.
The doctor鈥檚 office on wheels brings care directly to schools and communities, helping families overcome barriers to treatment.
Dr. Hope Rhodes leads the which delivers pediatric care at schools and other sites in D.C. and Prince George鈥檚 County, Maryland.
鈥淭he mission of the program is to really provide place-based care where children and families live, learn, work and play,鈥� Rhodes told 海角社区app.
Until now, the program operated with just one unit.
鈥淭he mobile unit can really provide most of the primary care services, including comprehensive well visits, immunizations, addressing chronic medical needs like asthma, allergies, eczema, weight management,鈥� she said.
Rhodes said the expanded fleet will also increase access to pediatric mental health services, an area where the demand continues to grow.
鈥淭here is definitely a great need, and (there) has been a great need for pediatric mental health services throughout the community,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ith this additional unit, we’ll be able to provide more mental health services to the community.鈥�
The mobile medical unit has helped thousands of children with everything from immunizations to asthma treatment, close to home. Rhodes said having a second unit will allow teams to reach even more families who face challenges accessing traditional health care facilities.
Despite the availability of medical care in D.C. and Prince George鈥檚 County, Rhodes said 鈥渟ometimes families cannot find their way into the fixed facility, usually because of social determinants of health, like transportation challenges.鈥�
She said the additional unit, made possible through an investment from the United Health Foundation, allows the program to expand both its geographic reach and its services.
The demand is growing, Rhodes added, noting that the mobile teams will be able to help with seasonal health needs.
鈥淒uring this time of year, we usually see a lot of seasonal allergies and asthma,鈥� she said.
The program has been in place for more than 25 years and Rhodes said the expanded fleet will help Children鈥檚 National continue serving families across the region.
Children鈥檚 National said the mobile unit accepts insurance, but provides care for free to families .
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