Support for Crossroads Rhode Island’s mobile medical program
Homeless people suffer from medical and dental problems at twice the rate of the national average, according to Anne Nolan, president of Crossroads Rhode Island. The Providence-based organization is the state’s largest agency helping the homeless.
A recent $50,000 donation by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island will cover their operating expenses over the next two years for the agency’s mobile medical van.
The mobile clinic delivers emergency medical services. More than 82 percent of the homeless population is uninsured. Patients would otherwise go untreated or have to rely on emergency room visits — if they could get there. The Crossroads program not only helps the homeless, but also takes some of the pressure off local emergency services.
The work is performed from a 40-foot-long mobile unit built by Ohio-based vehicle manufacturer LifeLine Mobile Inc. “LifeLine has a reputation for building solid vehicles,” said Ms. Nolan. The agency’s previous vehicle was destroyed in an electrical fire.
The mobile clinic has two medical examination rooms, intake and waiting areas, a nurses’ station, blood draw area, storage, and refrigeration. A power wheelchair lift is on board for handicapped access.
Crossroads Rhode Island understands what it takes to operate a successful program. The agency has a long pedigree. It started as a traveler’s aid society 112 years ago. Active participation by board members who advocate for the program is an essential ingredient to success.
“Funding for operating expenses is always a challenge,” said Ms. Nolan. But a volunteer clinical staff helps stretch operating dollars further. The mobile unit has a driver on staff, but the physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses are all volunteers.
Two factors help recruit volunteer clinical staff for the mobile medical clinic: the agency’s longevity (it is well known in the community), and the tireless efforts of board member Dr. Michael Fine. “Dr. Fine recruits people for us regularly,” said Ms. Nolan. He was named top primary care physician, two year’s running, in Rhode Island Magazine; and is head of family practice for Rhode Island Hospital and Miriam Hospital. Both hospitals are associated with Brown University.
The mobile outreach vehicle will continue to visit soup kitchens, shelters and street locations throughout Providence and the surrounding area four nights a week— thanks to the generous support of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
cr @ April 25, 2006