The initial meeting of the Coalition was held in November, 2006 and was convened by Health Foundation of South Florida (a grant making organization that funds non-profit organizations who provide healthcare for the underserved and uninsured), in partnership with Jackson Memorial Hospital, a local safety net provider.

Attendees included nearly 50 representatives from a wide range of organizations that operate Mobile Health clinics. These clinics offer a wide range of services, including primary care, vision care, HIV/AIDS testing, mammography, and dental care. The host organizations include, among others, community health centers, homeless shelters and hospitals.

There are many Mobile Health clinics operating in South Florida. Before forming the Coalition, there was no relationship between these clinics and many organizations were unaware of each others’ existence. The plan for the first Coalition meeting was simply to bring everyone together, to meet, and to learn about the various programs operating in our region. This gathering lead to an agreement to form a Mobile Health coalition in South Florida, that would bring all partners together to work as a team in building capacity and strengthening the network of our Mobile Health providers.

A steering committee has since formed to guide the Coalition. The committee is organizing work groups to begin tackling identified issues of interest. Examples include developing an inventory of all Mobile Health clinics (where they operate, what services they offer, etc.) and exploring ideas such as a shared drivers’ pool, group purchasing of supplies, and use of common parking facilities.

At the initial meeting attendees assumed work group assignments, such as data collection, disaster planning and shared operational logistics and services.

The Coalition will meet again in March to discuss efforts to date and plan next steps.