Mobile Clinics Bridge Maternal Health Care Gaps in Florida and Beyond

Access to obstetric care is a growing concern across the United States, particularly in rural and low-income communities. In Florida, a significant portion of counties face limited or no access to essential maternal health services, creating “maternity care deserts.” Innovative solutions, such as mobile health clinics, are emerging to address these disparities and ensure equitable care for all women.

The Growing Crisis of Maternity Care Deserts

Currently, approximately 3,400 women of childbearing age in north-central Florida live in maternity care deserts – counties without a hospital, birthing center, or obstetric health care professional.¹ Nationwide, over 2.5 million American women of childbearing age – nearly 4% – reside in these areas.¹ This problem has been exacerbated by the closure of hundreds of obstetric units over the past decade, especially in rural regions. Women in maternity care deserts travel an average of 35 miles to reach a birthing hospital, compared to just 9 miles for those in areas with full access.¹

The lack of access to timely prenatal and postpartum care contributes to the concerningly high maternal mortality rate in the U.S., which remains higher than that of most other high-income nations. Studies demonstrate a clear link between longer travel distances for obstetric care and poorer infant and maternal health outcomes.¹

The University of Florida’s Mobile Outreach Clinic: A Model for Change

In February 2025, the University of Florida established the OB/GYN Mobile Outreach Clinic to combat these challenges.¹ This retrofitted bus provides comprehensive maternal health services, including prenatal and postpartum care, breastfeeding support, family planning, annual gynecological exams, and preventive health screenings. While deliveries are not performed on-site, the clinic offers a vital range of services to bridge the gap in care.

By the end of 2025, the clinic had provided care to 194 women across 616 visits.¹ Care is provided free of charge to patients, with assistance offered in applying for Medicaid or other health insurance when eligible. The clinic operates twice weekly in consistent, rotating locations, including family resource centers, churches, and public libraries, building trust by consistently showing up for the community.

How Mobile Clinics are Transforming Access

Mobile health clinics, equipped with medical tools and supplies, are proving to be an effective way to reach underserved populations. The University of Florida’s clinic features two exam rooms, an ultrasound machine, and on-site testing capabilities, reducing the need for additional trips to pharmacies or labs.¹

The clinical care team includes nurse midwives, a physician assistant, certified nurse-midwives, nurses, a nurse practitioner, a lactation consultant, medical assistants, and community health workers who act as peer educators and patient liaisons. Maternal-fetal medicine physicians remotely review ultrasound images.¹ Appointments are scheduled within a week, often through referrals, and are typically 30-60 minutes long, allowing ample time to address social needs and barriers to care.

The Broader Landscape of Mobile Health

There are approximately 3,600 mobile health clinics operating in the United States, with 1,319 tracked through the Mobile Health Map.¹ These clinics provide a wide range of services, from disaster relief to mental health care, and particularly target low-income and uninsured populations. Studies have shown that mobile clinics improve health outcomes by delivering regular care directly to those who need it most. Patients report feeling safer and receiving holistic care from mindful staff.¹

Challenges and Future Directions

While mobile clinics offer a promising solution, challenges remain. Funding is a primary concern, as these clinics typically rely on grants and operate free of charge to patients. Staffing limitations and the inability to manage emergent complications or perform deliveries also pose obstacles.¹

Despite these challenges, the success of the University of Florida’s OB/GYN Mobile Outreach Clinic and similar initiatives demonstrates the potential of this model to improve maternal health care access in underserved communities. Increased awareness, support, and innovative funding strategies will be crucial to expanding this approach and ensuring equitable care for all women.