Mass General Brigham adds three new vans to mobile healthcare service
New England Council member, Mass General Brigham, is now launching three new “Community Care Vans”, which are aimed at bringing more high-quality care to high-need communities. The initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, is designed to “meet patients where they are” and specifically help with hypertension and diabetes care, substance use disorder, and social risk mitigation.
The new vans will add reception areas and a telehealth component, which will help patients without internet access attend virtual doctor appointments. The vans are also staffed with people who can speak multiple languages, making care far more accessible for communities in the Greater Boston area. The vans are parked at various locations, including local parks, nonprofits, apartments, and shelters, for various time slots throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“One very positive response we’ve gotten from the community is that folks who maybe had a mistrust for the health system or felt they didn’t understand what they were supposed to do with their particular chronic condition,” said Dr. Priya Sarin Gupta, Medical Director for Community-Based Clinical Programs, “through the culturally humble care that we’re bringing, they’re able to feel a little bit more empowered around their health.”
The New England Council commends Mass General Brigham for the expansion of this life-saving service.
Read more in the Boston Herald.