Health Net and Centene Foundation Invest Over $7.2 Million to Enhance Mobile Clinic Access in California

Health Net and Centene Foundation's Investment in Mobile Clinics

In a groundbreaking effort to enhance healthcare accessibility for underserved populations in California, Health Net and the Centene Foundation have announced a substantial investment exceeding $7.2 million. This initiative aims to strengthen healthcare access through an expanded fleet of mobile medical clinics. The collaboration seeks to directly address barriers to healthcare, particularly for those in rural and economically disadvantaged areas.

Mobile Clinics: A Lifeline for Communities

Dorothy Seleski, president of Medi-Cal at Health Net, emphasized the critical role of mobile clinics, stating, "These mobile clinics become vital assets in resource-limited areas, alleviating transportation challenges and delivering compassionate healthcare directly to where people live and gather." By increasing the number of mobile clinics, Health Net aims to provide essential services such as preventive care, health screenings, and social support to communities that need them the most.

Launched under the new Community Outreach Mobile Services program (MOVES), the investment tackles prevalent obstacles in accessing healthcare, including transportation issues and lost wages due to time off work. Funded by MOVES grants, local partners are deploying pop-up clinics and medical vans to parks, community events, and various gathering spots, potentially reaching thousands of people in underserved areas and significantly improving access to quality healthcare.

Beneficiary Organizations and Impact

The initiative has already identified several beneficiary organizations that will implement these mobile services. Notable entities include AltaMed, community health centers, Kaweah Health, and Visión y Compromiso. Ryan Gates, director of population health at Kaweah Health, commented, "Mobile health clinics meet people where they are, literally and figuratively, ensuring that those in need of medical attention are not left out." This aligns with Health Net's goal to eliminate barriers to healthcare access.

This program's impact extends beyond just healthcare services. By fostering collaborations with community organizations, Health Net and the Centene Foundation are establishing sustainable healthcare delivery models that build trust between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. Long-term relationships aim to facilitate early interventions and improved health outcomes across California.

A Community-Centric Approach

Health Net and the Centene Foundation's commitment goes beyond immediate healthcare needs. The grants are designed to empower organizations to act as coordinators, uniting local stakeholders to address a comprehensive spectrum of physical, behavioral, and social needs faced by individuals and families in these communities. Zoila D. Escobar, president of the AltaMed Foundation, remarked, "These mobile clinics are more than just vehicles; they are pathways to healthier lives and stronger communities. Thanks to Health Net and the Centene Foundation, we can dismantle barriers that often prevent individuals from receiving the healthcare they require."

California State Senator Susan Rubio highlighted the program's significance by sharing personal anecdotes from her time as a teacher, noting that many children come to school ill because their parents cannot afford medical care. She expressed her gratitude towards Health Net and Centene Foundation for their significant investments in real solutions that bring healthcare to where patients live, work, and congregate.

A Long-Term Vision for Healthcare

Since 2017, Health Net has committed over $158 million in funding to community organizations, reflecting a broader commitment to bolster California's healthcare infrastructure. Recent significant investments include a $3.5 million grant to MLK Community Medical Group to enhance their physician workforce and a $1 million allocation to support communities in Los Angeles affected by devastating wildfires.

Through these initiatives, Health Net and the Centene Foundation are making a long-term investment in health equity, resilience, and access statewide. By continuing to support and develop community-based healthcare solutions, they are steadfast in their mission to transform health outcomes for underserved populations. For more information on their local commitments, visit Health Net's website.

About Health Net and Centene Foundation

Founded in California over 45 years ago, Health Net, LLC, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, firmly believes that everyone deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, job status, or current health condition. Today, it provides health plans to individuals, families, and businesses of all sizes. With a robust network of over 117,000 providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state.

The Centene Foundation works strategically to invest in communities facing economic hardships, addressing social determinants of health to improve healthcare accessibility, social services, and education. For more information about their initiatives, visit the Centene Foundation's website.