Maternity on the Move: New Mobile Care Unit Hits Martin County Streets!

Martin County, USA - In an exciting development for expectant mothers in Martin County, the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition has introduced the Maternity on the Move (MOM) Mobile—a 38-foot Winnebago RV designed to bring essential prenatal and postnatal care directly to underserved communities. For over 30 years, the coalition has been dedicated to supporting expecting mothers, and this new initiative aims to tackle the transportation challenges that often hinder access to care.

The MOM Mobile will hit the roads four days a week, traveling to neighborhoods like Golden Gate, East Stuart, Indiantown, and Hobe Sound, where it will offer vital services. According to Stuart Magazine, it will be staffed by two certified nurse midwives and a medical assistant who speak English, Spanish, and Creole. This multilingual approach is essential, as it helps to ensure that communication barriers do not stand in the way of quality care.

The Benefits of MOM Mobile

The MOM Mobile is equipped to provide a variety of services, including prenatal exams, information on self-care, baby care, and even connections with doulas. It features two exam rooms, a blood-draw station, and an intake desk, all stocked with the necessary medical supplies to ensure comprehensive care. As Martin County Healthy Start details, expectant mothers can make appointments to see a midwife and receive tailored support.

This innovative mobile unit stems from a collaborative initiative. The idea emerged from a 2019 discussion with the Hobe Sound Community Chest, and its realization has been made possible thanks to robust funding. The American Rescue Plan Act provided a significant boost with a proposal that awarded $284,241 from the Martin County Commission. Additionally, a $100,000 grant from Impact100 Martin played a crucial role in the purchase and retrofitting of the RV. Such financial backing underscores the community’s shared commitment to maternal health.

Getting Started

MOM Mobile is set to begin operations in May, aligning with the closure of the labor and delivery unit at Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital, which took place on April 1. This timing could not be more critical, as it offers a solution to the gap left by this closure. Samantha Suffich, CEO of the Martin County Healthy Start Coalition, emphasizes that the mission of MOM Mobile is clear: „No one should be turned away from receiving care.“ With services scheduled to launch imminently, the coalition aims to announce precise locations and times this summer.

The importance of accessible maternal health services cannot be overstated. With initiatives like MOM Mobile, expectant mothers in Martin County can look forward to reliable support that adapts to their needs. For further details, including specific locations and times for the services, visit mchealthystart.org/mommobile.