Engaging with the Community Before Deploying a Rural Mobile Health Unit

Abstract

This article describes a mobile health unit (MHU) launched in October 2023 in rural Tennessee. The authors emphasize that before implementing healthcare services such as a mobile health unit, it is essential to assess community needs and develop reciprocal community partnerships, develop a strategy for community engagement, and provide longitudinal service-learning opportunities for students. More than 100 undergraduate nursing and nurse practitioner students have rotated on the MHU and in nearby rural clinics. Assessing and engaging with the community before deploying a MHU can increase trust and establish relationships while providing learning opportunities in rural settings.