Arizona State University (ASU) College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation has received a $700,000 grant to launch a mobile health initiative that will bring essential primary care services to underserved communities throughout Arizona.
UnitedHealthcare of UnitedHealth Group, provided the grant and ASU said that the funding also will be used to start pediatric obesity and child-teen mental health programs for depression and anxiety disorders as part of a broader community health and wellness initiative by the ASU nursing college.
"Arizona State University plays a critical and highly effective role in providing essential clinical services in Arizona, so we are pleased to support those vital efforts," said Benton Davis, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Arizona. "We especially appreciate ASU's leadership in encouraging and nurturing the planning for this project and supporting public/private partnerships that help improve access to health care for all Arizonans."
A van, used for the mobile health unit, and the other new health initiatives will be staffed by ASU nurse practitioners, faculty, and nursing and related health profession students, under the direction of the College.
The van itself will be equipped with state-of-the-art electronic health records and a computerized health data system that incorporates evidence-based clinical decision support software. It will provide a broad range of preventive screening and primary care services, including treatment for mild to acute illness, management of chronic conditions, immunizations, wellness programs, and other services.
"UnitedHealth Group clearly recognizes the important role that nurse practitioners play in expanding access to essential health care services," said Denise Link, DNSc, WHCNP, associate dean for Clinical Practice and Community Partnerships and clinical associate professor of the ASU College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation. "Not only will this grant help us provide much needed care, it will also assist ASU in advancing new models of cost-effective care delivery and opportunities to educate future health professionals to serve the citizens of our state."
UnitedHealth Group offers health benefits, including commercial, Medicare and Medicaid health plans, to nearly 1.2 million Arizonans and contracts with about 7,400 physicians and 80 hospitals statewide.