URI Rhode to Health Mobile Unit FAQs

Q: What is the URI Rhode to Health Integrated Mobile Health Unit?

A:  The URI Rhode to Health Mobile Health Unit is a state-of-the-art, 37-foot-long medical van containing two exam/counseling rooms, an intake area, vitals/blood draw area, as well as a rest room.  The exterior has an awning over a video monitor that can show patient education videos.


Q
:  Where will the URI Rhode to Health unit go?

A:  The URI Rhode to Health unit will primarily meet the needs of people living with HIV and/or those unaware of their HIV status. The focus is on eligible clients served by the federally funded Ryan White HIV/AIDS program and who are underserved throughout Rhode Island. We will establish a regular rotation at sites with key partners.


Q
:  What services will the URI Rhode to Health Mobile Medical Van offer?

A:   It will have innovative intensive case management teams supporting integrated clinical and behavioral health; HIV early intervention services, which include outreach to high risk populations, HIV testing, culturally appropriate health education and risk reduction and active referrals and linkage to care; other health screenings and testing; unique behavioral health counseling for people living with HIV; innovative lifestyle management assessments and behavior change models.


Q
:  Who provides the services the URI Rhode to Health unit offers?

A:   The vehicle will have intensive case management teams on board. The teams are made up of multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, pharmacy and psychology, and students training in these disciplines. A family nurse practitioner will also be a key component of care delivery.


Q
:  What is the purpose of the services the URI Rhode to Health unit offers?

A:  The vehicle is primarily funded to provide HIV care and treatment services, HIV early identification and HIV care with an extensive outreach component in a community setting for those vulnerable populations that do not have direct access to a medical care clinic, feel stigmatized when walking into a clinic, are underinsured or uninsured or have other issues that prevent them from getting care.


Q
:  Who funds the URI Rhode to Health unit?

A:   It is funded by a generous grant from the HIV Provision of Care and Special Populations Unit at the Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services. This funding is made possible by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, Ryan White Part B funds.