The basics:

• Mobile pediatric unit to serve communities across Union County
• Services include screenings, physicals, vaccines, preventive care
• Focused on improving access in underserved neighborhoods
• Builds on RWJBarnabas Health mobile health expansion efforts

RWJBarnabas Health and Union County signed an agreement to launch a mobile pediatric health unit. The new collaboration will bring preventive care, screenings, vaccinations and other essential health services directly to patients across the county.

Announced June 10, the partnership will expand healthcare access and reduce barriers to care, particularly in historically underserved communities. Once licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health, the mobile unit will travel to communities including Elizabeth, Plainfield, Linden, Rahway, Union Township, and more.

The development will offer pediatric health screenings, physicals, immunizations, health education and routine preventive services.

“This mobile unit is built on a simple premise – connecting children with the preventative health care services they need to grow and flourish,” said Mark Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health. “Where roadblocks to care exist in Union County, this mobile unit will roll over them, bringing our world-class pediatric care directly into the neighborhoods we serve.”

The agreement builds on RWJBarnabas Health’s efforts to address healthcare access challenges. It also follows the April launch of a similar mobile pediatric unit in Essex County.

Easing access to care

“This is an incredible step forward in expanding access to care for the children of Union County,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari, D-22nd District. “I am grateful to see state appropriations making a meaningful impact on the health of our families and neighbors. I will continue to support initiatives that provide critical resources and care to our communities that need it most.”

RWJBarnabas Health clinical staff will operate the mobile unit. It will provide services in convenient locations where children and their families live, work and attend school.

“We are proud to partner with RWJBarnabas Health to make it easier for Union County families to get their children the care they need,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek. “Our partnership is a strong example of how local government and healthcare providers can work together and maximize resources to have a greater impact on the health of our communities.”

Our partnership is a strong example of how local government and healthcare providers can work together and maximize resources to have a greater impact on the health of our communities.
—Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph Bodek

The mobile pediatric unit is part of RWJBarnabas Health’s Our Healthy Communities initiative. The program focuses on addressing social determinants of health, as well as expands access to healthcare, healthy foods, nutrition education, transportation, economic mobility and stable housing.

The health system said it has reinvested more than $151 million into community health initiatives beyond traditional medical care. It noted support from state community health resources.

“The Union County mobile pediatric unit will be a huge step forward in reducing barriers to high-quality care for families,” said Margie Heller, senior vice president of community and global health at RWJBarnabas Health. “Through this partnership, we can continue to support vulnerable communities and expand our reach to bring healthcare and resources to kids in every corner of the county.”

Working together in Union County

The initiative builds on several recent community health efforts in Union County.

RWJBarnabas Health already partners with federally qualified health centers, including Neighborhood Health locations in Elizabeth and Plainfield. The system als0 recently launched what it described as New Jersey’s first street medicine program, which NJBIZ reported on. Through Trinitas Regional Medical Center, that initiative provides care to individuals experiencing homelessness.

Union County also previously partnered with Trinitas Regional Medical Center and Ritesh Shah Charitable Pharmacy. That earlier effort helped to improve access to prescription medications for more than 54,000 residents facing financial hardship.

Manigan added, “We are grateful for the partnerships supporting this effort and our mission to build and sustain a healthier Union County and New Jersey.”