Is your organization interested in starting a community outreach program to help people who are struggling with mental health, homelessness, or drug addiction? A lack of intervention and external support for these populations will only continue the cycle of despair and cause health conditions to worsen. It can lead to increased substance abuse, put a strain on emergency services, and cause individuals to resort to criminal activities.
We’re all about helping people help people at AVAN Mobility. We don’t like seeing barriers get in the way of people receiving proper healthcare and support. That’s why we’ve been manufacturing mobile medical vans throughout the past decade. Organizations like yours can use mobile medical vans, like the Mobile Outreach Van, to help people all over the U.S.
As you read this article, you’ll learn more about the benefits of a Mobile Outreach Van. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a better idea if this vehicle aligns with your services.
What is community outreach?
Community outreach involves reaching out to support people facing challenges like homelessness, mental health struggles, and drug addiction. Instead of waiting for them to come to you, you go to them. It’s about understanding their needs and offering assistance, whether it’s:
- Providing shelter for the homeless
- Offering mental health resources
- Helping those battling drug addiction
When you actively engage with your community members, you create a stronger, more caring society where everyone has a chance to overcome obstacles and lead healthier lives.
Who needs outreach support?
Outreach support plays a big role in reaching people facing various challenges in communities around the U.S. Let’s take a look at who needs some extra support.
Homeless individuals
Outreach support is for people without homes. In 2023, the number of homeless individuals went up by 12%, reaching over 653,000 people. California, Oregon, and Vermont had the highest rates of homelessness, making it important for organizations to lend support to those in need.
Mental health struggles
Outreach is essential for those dealing with mental health problems. Many face stigma about going to a clinic for help. 1 in 4 adults struggles with a mental health disorder that can be diagnosed. Outreach programs can step in to offer understanding and support, making sure no one faces these challenges alone.
Substance use disorders
Outreach support is also there for those dealing with drug abuse problems. In 2017, almost 20 million adults had a substance use disorder. Outreach works to break down barriers to treatment, providing help and resources. It’s about understanding the diverse needs of individuals and offering a helping hand to navigate the complex journey of substance abuse.
What is the Mobile Outreach Van?
The Mobile Outreach Van is a way to connect with people dealing with homelessness, addiction, drug addiction, and other tough situations. Think of it like a moving lifeline that reaches out to those who need external support daily.
What makes the Mobile Outreach Van work so well is that it meets people right where they are. This helps them build trust in your support. Unlike fixed clinics, these vans are like a “boots on the ground” approach that’s always on the move and ready to help the next person.
With outreach vans, help becomes more flexible and easier to reach. This is important because a lot of individuals in the categories we mentioned earlier are reluctant to seek support.
Mobile Outreach Vans are an innovative way to break down barriers and make assistance quick and real for those going through hard times.
Top 5 benefits of Mobile Outreach Vans
There are many benefits of the Mobile Outreach Van in the U.S. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
1. Clean and comfortable outreach spaces
The first benefit of the Mobile Outreach Van is that it offers a neat and comfortable setting during outreach efforts. Included in the space is a sink and a fridge. These options aren’t just about being handy; it’s about respecting people’s dignity.
Think about taking the Mobile Outreach Van to a neighborhood of people dealing with homelessness. Having a sink means people can freshen up a bit, offering a small but meaningful sense of normality. For those facing mental health challenges, having a clean spot during outreach programs contributes to a positive and more dignified experience.
And that fridge? It can be used to store vaccines and be a real help for those who need medication or even a fresh bottle of water. Picture someone fighting addiction – having a safe and clean space for their medicine and support can be a game-changer in their path to recovery.
2. Office space
The Mobile Outreach Van has another useful feature: desk space just for your outreach teams. It’s like a mini office on wheels that makes things more organized and structured.
Your outreach team can use this office space to plan their community outreach mission. Along with the desk, you also get a secured rolling chair to go along with it. The combination of these things can be used so you can organize papers, set up follow-up visits, and even do online health meetings.
Consider a scenario where a team must coordinate efforts during a health campaign. The mobile office desk becomes a central hub for strategizing to make the outreach process smoother and more effective.
3. Climate-controlled compassion
Another benefit of the Mobile Outreach Van is the rear heat and air conditioning. This makes the interior more comfortable, no matter how cold or hot it is outside. It also creates a more welcoming space for people in vulnerable situations.
Think about a senior citizen who has just spent the night outside on a cold, downtown sidewalk. They forget what it feels like to sleep in a regular bed with blankets and heat pouring through the vents. The rear heat in the van offers them a soothing and relaxing break from the cold. It’s a gesture of care and understanding.
Many homeless people have learned to always be in a defensive mode and state of mind. When people are more comfortable, they’re also more receptive to receiving support. A comfortable environment can quickly help people feel at ease, and while something as simple as heat might seem like a small thing to everyone else, it could feel like a life-saver for homeless people.
4. Custom options
The fourth benefit of the Mobile Outreach Van is that it’s customizable to fit unique needs. Every outreach program is different, and with this van, you can choose special features that work best for your organization.
For instance, if you need extra privacy, you can have a cab divider. Sometimes people prefer a quiet space during a meeting or medical check-up, and a cab divider can provide just that. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
In places with snowy or icy roads, winter tires can be added for safer travels. With this addition, you can reach remote areas where people need help, even in challenging weather. Winter tires will help your outreach teams get there safely.
Other extras like grab handles make the van more accessible. This can be extra helpful for someone with mobility challenges. These custom options show people your commitment to providing outreach solutions tailored to the various needs of different communities. Customizing your van can make your outreach efforts more effective and inclusive.
5. Slide-to-open cabinets
One more exceptional benefit of the Mobile Outreach Van is the slide-to-open cabinets. These cabinets are designed for quick and easy access. This feature is especially useful if your outreach team needs immediate access to something during an emergency.
A benefit like this isn’t just about the interior aesthetics of the vehicle. It also helps during urgent situations with clients or patients. Consider a situation where a homeless person enters the van and is dealing with an overdose. If you have Narcan stored in the slide-to-open cabinets, you can easily access it and administer it.
Now, picture that same situation, but only in a different vehicle with Narcan stored away in a cabinet that isn’t as easy to open. The time it takes to access the cabinet could turn into a life-or-death scenario that puts the patient’s life at risk.
Your next steps with AVAN Mobility
You most likely landed on this article while browsing around for strategies on how to get your community outreach program off the ground.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re now aware of some of the features and benefits of the Mobile Outreach Van, along with what types of people you can help with it.
Our team at AVAN Mobility continuously strives to create innovative and customized solutions for organizations like yours. If you have any questions regarding the Mobile Outreach Van or its features, feel free to click the button at the end of this article to talk to a commercial mobility expert.
If you’re interested in learning about even more benefits of the Mobile Outreach Van, you should read through our article on the top 5 areas to deploy one of these vehicles. To take things a step further, you should also take a look at our article on the cost of a mobile medical unit in the U.S. This article will give you some insight into the budget you’ll need for one of these vehicles.
