Bay Pines VA Mobile Medical Unit Arrives To Support Homeless Veterans

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Bay Pines Veterans Administration Healthcare System became the latest recipient of a new Mobile Medical Unit following the delivery of the vehicle to the C.W. Bill Young VA Medical Centercampus Monday.

Last year, Bay Pines VA helped VA surpass the national goal of permanently housing 38,000 veterans, with support to 638 local veterans. The arrival of the MMU allows the organization to build on this accomplishment by strengthening the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team’s ability to conduct outreach to veterans across Pinellas County who are not enrolled in the health care system.

“We are immensely proud that Bay Pines VA Healthcare System was chosen to receive the Mobile Medical Unit,” said Bay Pines VA Social Work Chief Alisha Stanton. “We look forward to meeting veterans where they live, in the community, and providing them easier access to basic services that can improve their health care and quality of life.”

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs officially announced the launch of the MMUs on Aug. 3. Bay Pines VA was one of 25 health care systems across the country selected following an application submission last year.

The MMU teams will provide a variety of basic care services including treatment for hypertension, diabetes, basic immunizations and wound care. Additionally, social work services will work to assess social determinants of health and access to mental health support.

“We have an enormous opportunity here to extend our health care services and support outside of our facilities,” said Bay Pines VA Chief of Staff Dr. Amin Elamin. “The MMUs allow our teams to cover a larger area more effectively, which is a huge benefit to at-risk veterans.”

Stanton added that the team supporting the MMU will include a doctor, advanced registered nurse practitioner, registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, and a social worker.

Bay Pines VA leadership confirmed the MMU is a permanent part of the organization’s fleet, and while the teams will be going out once per week to start, they will be exploring options to expand frequency.