Birmingham VA Launches Mobile Medical Unit to Boost Veteran Health Care Access

This innovative initiative is set to revolutionize the provision of health care services to homeless Veterans and those living in remote areas across central and northern Alabama.

Designed as a clinic on wheels, the MMU aims to overcome transportation barriers that often hinder access to essential health services. It is equipped with two exam rooms, advanced telehealth capabilities, and diagnostic tools, making it a vital resource for delivering specialized care directly within the community.

Dr. Stefan Kertesz, Director of the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team, emphasized the importance of outreach in addressing the health care needs of homeless Veterans. He highlighted the MMU's role in bringing health care closer to those in need.

“The goal of the MMU is to make the Birmingham VA a health care organization that makes a serious difference in the lives of homeless Veterans,” said Dr. Kertesz. “Birmingham is among the first of 32 VA medical facilities to start an MMU; a mobile clinic that is tailored for Veterans who are homeless or formerly homeless. This will help us bring those Veterans into care.”

The initiative also received strong support from local leadership, including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who acknowledged the VA's efforts in improving Veteran health care services. 

Mayor Woodfin recounted experiences throughout his life prior to public office and since with neighbors, friends, and community members, some of whom were homeless that were also Veterans. Several of these did not seek treatment or engage in any formal process to receive help, and Woodfin said that a common thread through many of them was access to healthcare. 

Woodfin continued, “I believe two things: One is that, as a servant leader it is important that we help everyone, whether they are a Veteran or not, whether they are sheltered or not. And the other thing is that commitment is a two-way street. Those who have sacrificed, those who have made commitments, those who served in the military—they made a commitment to us. I believe we owe them a commitment to provide any and all forms of care, and that includes access to health care.” He thanked the Birmingham VA team and concluded, “I’ve learned serving in this position of Mayor to meet people where they are. It’s good to see the VA meet Veterans where they are.”

Dr. Ladi Kukoyi, Executive Director of the Birmingham VA Health Care System, shared his vision of strategic outreach and comprehensive care facilitated by the MMU. He brought attention to how the MMU can also be used to address specific needs of those living in remote locations and during emergencies like natural disasters and pandemics. 

“Care to Veterans is not limited to the buildings we are in. We are going to use the MMU to go to every nook and cranny to find every Veteran; they served us, and we want to serve them,” said Dr. Kukoyi. “This is not just a response to immediate needs but a strategic asset for Veterans residing in remote locations. The MMU can also be deployed during emergencies such as natural disasters, pandemics, or for rural health outreach. Its design is specific to the needs of our Veterans, and we will use it to expand access for them.”

The MMU's launch aligns with the VA's broader goals of addressing homelessness among Veterans and providing preventative health care. In 2023 alone, the VA successfully placed over 46,000 Veterans in permanent housing nationwide, with the local goal of housing 200 unsheltered Veterans surpassed by housing 279.

The Birmingham VA's commitment to innovation and comprehensive care is evident in this latest endeavor. The MMU not only extends health care services to Veterans facing accessibility challenges but also reinforces the VA's dedication to improving the lives of those who have served the nation.