University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s School of Nursing to launch MobileMOC health clinic

The School of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga is set to launch its new MobileMOC health clinic on March 25. Made possible via a Healthcare Resiliency Program grant from the Tennessee Department of Health, the Rural Health and Older ADult Interprofessional Mobile HeAlth Program (ROAD MAP) project will improve healthcare access to older individuals and caregivers living in rural Southeast Tennessee by bringing a well-equipped vehicle, the MobileMOC, directly to them.

According to an article on the University of Tennessee Chattanooga’s website, Dr. Kristi Wick, who serves as a UC Foundation assistant professor and the Vicky B. Gregg Chair in Gerontology, is a co-principal investigator on the grant project, alongside Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, vice provost. Speaking of the area that will be serviced by the MobileMOC, which includes Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties, Wick said, “These rural counties have many older adults with limited access to essential resources. Some of those counties do not have hospitals or emergency departments, making health care accessibility a significant challenge. Senior centers in these communities serve as vital hubs, building strong relationships with older adults. Partnering with these centers gives us a tremendous opportunity to collaborate with their staff and enhance the programs and services they already provide.”

The MobileMOC will provide older individuals living in these underserved, rural areas with preventative care, health screenings, and social services. People living in these areas face increased health challenges, in part due to the geographical isolation of their residences. 

Working with Wick and Howard-Baptiste on the ROAD MAP MobileMOC project are Dr. Sarah Treat, Dr. Latisha Toney, Dr. Amber Roaché, and Dr. Meagan Oslund from the School of Nursing, and Dr. Amir Alakaam (Master of Public Health), Dr. Erin Melhorn (Occupational Therapy), Dr. Cathy Scott (Social Work) and Dr. Deborah Mullen (Management).

Melhorn explained how the MobileMOC will not only benefit the patients it will serve, but also students: “Our OT students are excited to expand their reach into rural communities, and bringing targeted health services directly to older adults will be a game-changer in improving access and care. Something as simple as providing education on fall prevention, home modifications or making small tweaks to daily activities can make a huge difference in helping older adults stay independent and improve their quality of life. We teach these concepts throughout the OT program, but applying what they’ve learned in real-life situations truly makes the learning stick. The MobileMOC is an incredible opportunity for students to bridge the gap between theory and practice, creating meaningful connections and making a real impact in the communities we serve.”

In addition to the physical health screenings and exams MobileMOC will provide, it will also benefit residents with social work services. Scott noted, “Enhancing the lives of vulnerable individuals through socialization, education and referrals is the basis of social work practice. Social work faculty and students are excited to offer these services to older adults who will be served through the MobileMOC unit. MobileMOC services will offer intergenerational interactions that will enlighten our students on the lived experiences of older adults and rural communities. They will also see firsthand the importance of collaborative partnerships.”

A celebration and official launch of the MobileMOC vehicle will take place at noon at the Rhea County Welcome Center in Dayton, Tennessee on Tuesday, March 25.

For more information about the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, visit the school’s website.