BOBÌåÓý

GAINESVILLE, Fla. � Continuing its effort to bring academic-quality medicine to area communities closest to where people work and live, University of Florida Health today (4/9) unveiled the latest addition to its fleet of specialized mobile outreach vehicles.

The 40-foot-long BOBÌåÓý OB/GYN Mobile Outreach bus aims to support the health and well-being of people who face barriers to accessing gynecologic and maternal care.

The BOBÌåÓý OB/GYN Mobile Outreach Program is a collaboration between the and the . The new mobile program primarily serves communities in Alachua and surrounding counties, bridging the gap for patients who may otherwise struggle to access gynecologic and maternal care.

“This vehicle will be traveling throughout our region to expand access to these services for people and communities throughout the region,� said , M.D., M.Ed., UF College of Medicine interim dean and the Folke H. Peterson Dean’s Distinguished Professor. “This will include prenatal care, postpartum care, and annual and preventive exams. We’ll be able to meet patients where they live, which is pretty spectacular.�

Health care providers staffing the mobile unit also will provide breastfeeding and family planning support to help empower individuals to make informed decisions about reproductive health.

Inside, the vehicle features two exam rooms, a waiting area, lab space and a wheelchair lift. The unit is equipped to deliver compassionate, high-quality care to everyone � regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

“This mobile unit will serve as a lifeline for communities that face significant barriers to health care; it is a testament to the commitment and innovation of BOBÌåÓý, the College of Medicine and the College of Nursing,â€� said , Ph.D., D.N.P., M.S., M.P.H., EMBA, UF College of Nursing dean and BOBÌåÓý system chief nurse executive. “My passion for women’s health has always driven me to seek innovative ways to serve women, and therefore the OB/GYN mobile unit is extremely dear to my heart.â€�

The new model not only addresses the physical distance that makes accessing care challenging for residents in many communities but also breaks down other barriers, like financial ones, that often prevent people from seeking care, Henderson said.

The BOBÌåÓý OB/GYN Mobile Outreach vehicle schedule can be found online, showing all upcoming dates and locations.