MaineHealth Mobile Health Unit Outreach
- Program Representative(s) Interviewed: LeeAnna Lavoie, Director of MaineHealth Community Health Farmington, and Karen Garland-Kidder, Program Manager
- Location: Franklin County, Maine
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Program Overview: MaineHealth
Community Health Farmington's Mobile Health Unit Outreach Program brings healthcare services to the
rural communities across Franklin County, Maine. Its goal is to reduce barriers to care, address the social
drivers of health, and strengthen referral pathways to connect community members to essential resources.
Operating under MaineHealth’s Healthy Community Coalition, the program offers the following services:
- Preventive health screenings — A1C, cholesterol, blood pressure, and bone density
- Vaccinations
- Substance use resources
- Health education
- Social service referrals
The mobile unit visits eight locations across Franklin County, parking near high-traffic areas like grocery stores and faith-based organizations to maximize access and reduce transportation barriers. The program is informed by over 30 years of community engagement and continuous learning by the Healthy Community Coalition. MaineHealth uses data from community health needs assessments as well as surveys and focus groups with community members, organizations, and providers to shape services and identify gaps in care.
In the future, the MaineHealth Mobile Unit Outreach program hopes to expand to provide a broader range of clinical services and further integration with the hospital’s telehealth and care coordination capabilities.