The Emergency Response SIG will focus on ways mobile medical units can become an integrated part of local, state and national emergency response plans and on funding sources to support education and training for those roles.

 

Mobile units can prove invaluable assets during emergency situations. Mobile unit programs will probably not be engaged in first response efforts but rather in the aftermath of an emergency situation (24-48 hours post event).

 

The Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-417) amended section 319C-2 of the Public Health Service Act to allocate competitive grants to eligible entities in order to improve surge capacity and enhance community and hospital preparedness for public health emergencies - for more information check … http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/opeo/hpp/. This amended section listed capabilities which had to be funded in FY 2007. Optional funding capabilities included Mobile Medical Assets. While mobile units did not receive priority funding, they were officially recognized as assets in emergency preparedness planning.

 

 

 

 

 

Next year’s theme, The Economics of Mobile Healthcare: Challenges & Solutions, is vital to the success of all mobile community outreach programs. In sessions, roundtable discussions, and workshops you will hear stories, insights, and lessons learned from mobile health colleagues that will ensure your program’s efficiency and productivity. Be part of the larger conversation and learn from the experts and those who are a few steps ahead … plan to join us next year in Seattle.

 

 

MHCN, a nationwide membership-based association, is dedicated to providing a viable foundation for unifying the vision and advocacy of mobile healthcare providers across the country. Our mission is to identify and establish compelling initiatives, facilitate continued communications among mobile healthcare providers, and assist our members as they strive to launch and sustain a mobile health program. MHCN provides a forum for enhancing professional skills and productivity and a structure for advocacy that encourages collaboration with a broad spectrum of mobile health experts to better serve our communities. MHCN is currently engaged in developing a number of compelling initiatives ~ outcomes assessment tools, an emergency response policy, a “green-friendly” vehicle advisory, regional partnerships/chapters, online Members Message Board and scheduled Chat Rooms, and a Registry of pre-owned vehicle sellers/buyers. Additionally, MHCN supports several SIGS (dental, emergency response, mammography, and Tele-MobileHealth) and hosts the 2008 Annual Forum.

 

If you are not a member of MHCN, you can join by clicking on Membership at the top of this page. We welcome your comments, feedback, questions, and most especially your contribution to reaching our shared mission.