Celebrating 25 years of transforming care delivery
Oriol, Nancy E.
Why this matters
Programs designed with a community rather than for one have a long-running example in the Family Van. A commentary marks 25 years of a Boston mobile clinic co-designed by community members and clinicians, operating since 1992 and connecting people to the wider health system and social services.
Abstract
This invited commentary celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Family Van, a mobile health clinic originally established by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Operating since 1992, the program has been transforming care delivery by listening: the program was co-designed by community members and health care professionals, creating a model connecting individuals to the larger health care system and social services.