Wednesday, February 5, 2025
2/5/2025
Project Title: Mobile Outreach Vehicle (MOVe) Applicant Organization: Equitas Health Address: 1105 Schrock Road, Suite 400, Columbus, OH 43229-1174 Project Director Name: Molly Simpson, MA Contact Phone Numbers: Phone: (937) 853-3650 x 2146 Fax: (937) 853-4367 Email Address: mollysimpson@equitashealth.com Website Address: www.equitashealth.com Funds Requested: $150,000 Equitas Health is requesting funding to purchase and outfit a mobile medical van to increase the accessibility of health care for people with barriers to care. The Mobile Outreach Vehicle will travel throughout the Third Congressional District of Ohio. District 3 is located in Franklin County, Ohio and comprises most of the city of Columbus. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increased need to deliver health care directly to communities disproportionately affected by the virus. The Mobile Outreach Vehicle will serve any person seeking health care services in District 3, with a focus on providing culturally-competent care to historically marginalized communities, thus increasing health equity. The Mobile Outreach Vehicle will be staffed by providers employed by Equitas Health. Services provided aboard the Mobile Outreach Vehicle include telehealth visits; STI/HIV testing, treatment and prevention; vaccine administration (including COVID-19 vaccinations); and linkage to care. The requested funds will be used to purchase and customize a 2022 Mercedes Sprinter Cargo Van, or a similar vehicle, with an extended back and high roof. The vehicle will allow for sufficient space for supply storage, client meeting space, health screenings, handwashing and other supplies needed to conduct street outreach. The custom upfitting process will include the purchase and installation of the following permanently affixed equipment: a generator; a rooftop air conditioner (HVAC); powered outlets; insulation and walls (van wall panels); a dividing wall/door to split space into two rooms; faux wood high quality vinyl flooring; lighting; laminate countertops; a sink, a concession style window for registration activities and distribution of supplies; an exterior awning; storage cabinets; built-in bench seating/storage; commercial step/running boards; and a Wi-Fi system. During the grant period, from July, 1, 2022, to June 30, 2025, Equitas Health will purchase, customize, and provide Mobile Outreach Services from the vehicle. The Mobile Outreach Vehicle will be completed and operational by September 1, 2023. Medical services will be provided aboard the Mobile Outreach Vehicle by June 30, 2025. Established in 1984, Equitas Health is a regional nonprofit community based health care system and Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike based in Columbus, Ohio. The mission of Equitas Health is to be the gateway to good health for those at risk of or affected by HIV/AIDS, for the LGBTQ+ community, and for those seeking a welcoming healthcare home. Originally founded in response to the HIV epidemic, Equitas Health has expanded to provide health care services to all community members, regardless of HIV status, and is now one of the largest community based providers of its kind in the nation. With 21 offices in 13 cities, Equitas Health serves tens of thousands of individuals in Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia each year. Services include primary and specialized medical care, pharmacy, dentistry, behavioral health, HIV/STI treatment and prevention, PrEP/PEP, Ryan White/HIV case management, care navigation, advocacy, and other community health initiatives.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).