A Traverse City nonprofit, in collaboration with Munson Healthcare, is expanding its free mobile medical clinic to bring healthcare directly to northern Michigan residents who face significant barriers to regular doctor visits. This initiative addresses a growing healthcare need across the region, especially as millions of Americans are projected to lose health insurance by 2034 due to federal Medicaid cuts, a development that puts Michigan’s rural healthcare providers at risk.
Stacy O’Donnell, director of medical services at Traverse Health Clinic and TC Street Medicine, noted that many people have been losing Medicaid, which has been a consideration for their program. Their mobile medical unit, a bright teal truck about the size of a small ambulance, is designed to see up to 27 patients each day. The street medicine initiative began in 2022 by visiting homeless shelters in Traverse City. Over the past year and a half, the program has grown significantly, establishing regular stops at community hubs in areas including Cadillac, Kalkaska, Ellsworth, Mancelona, and Interlochen. O'Donnell emphasized the program’s broader ambition, stating, "The main goal is, we would love to be over the whole upper Michigan, because there's a lot of deserts between care," underscoring the essential need for service expansion.
For residents like Arthur Anderson, who has been experiencing homelessness for about six months and resides at the Goodwill Inn Emergency Shelter, the mobile unit provides vital care. Anderson, who has diabetes, has been receiving weekly treatment for a foot infection from the mobile unit for almost two months. He explained his situation, saying, “I don’t have a vehicle right now. I lost my home, it’s the first time I’ve ever been homeless. … It’s hard for me to get downtown a lot.” His diabetes makes him more susceptible to infection and prolongs healing, making consistent access to care critical.
Dr. Jason Schreiber, a doctor at Traverse Health Clinic’s low-cost health center, highlighted the additional considerations involved in treating patients through the mobile unit. He explained that providers must consider the patient's full living situation, including their footwear, ability to practice proper hygiene, and access to basic amenities like showers, which are often assumed when treating patients in a traditional clinic setting. The mobile unit offers most services found in an urgent care facility, including prescription refills from Traverse Health Clinic’s in-house pharmacy. Schreiber stressed that these services are crucial for managing chronic health conditions, as inconsistent follow-ups can severely complicate care if patients are without their medications for extended periods.
The provision of free care is made possible through a combination of federal grants from the Health Resources and Service Administrations, contributions from private donors, and a renewed $300,000 donation from Munson Healthcare. Any care not covered by insurance is provided free of charge to patients. While the mobile unit frequently parks at homeless shelters within Traverse City, its rural outreach strategy focuses on community hubs such as local Walmarts or libraries, ensuring services are accessible to anyone who walks in.
The program continues to evolve and expand its offerings based on community needs and requests. Upcoming initiatives include assisting students at Manton High School with annual sports physicals and supporting former Kalkaska inmates on their path to recovery. O’Donnell noted how the program’s visibility in one community often leads to requests from others, citing Manton High School’s request after seeing the unit in Cadillac, and subsequently, a senior center’s request for assistance. This demonstrates a "very active, very active need" across the region. Residents interested in knowing the mobile unit's daily location can find this information on the Traverse Health Clinic's website.
