As Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care continues its efforts to reach underserved communities in King County, the organization was excited to relaunch its mobile clinic last month.
The mobile clinic brings essential services closer to those in need, offering screening and assessment for ongoing mental health or substance use treatment, help with telehealth services, health education, and naloxone training and kits for overdose prevention, among other resources.
“These past few weeks have been very busy but incredibly fulfilling, as we’ve brought the van back into communities where our services are needed and where residents often face unique obstacles to receiving care,” says Rose M. Baldridge, Director of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services at Valley Cities.
“Taking our mobile clinic into the community means a lot to our most vulnerable residents. While Valley Cities is well-known in King County, the mobile clinic allows us to reach a broader range of clients, including those who might otherwise ‘fall through the cracks’ in accessing support.”
Baldridge notes that the mobile clinic provides a unique opportunity for clinicians to build rapport and establish trust with individuals who may otherwise hesitate to seek support. Many clients have experienced past trauma or stigma surrounding their mental health challenges, creating barriers to care.
Rose Baldridge helps patients with a variety of services through the mobile clinic, including screening and assessment, telehealth services, health education, and naloxone training and kits for overdose prevention among other resources. Photo courtesy of Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care.
“Our goal with the mobile clinic is to engage clients in ongoing conversations with clinicians, fostering a foundation of trust that can, over time, help them feel more confident in seeking support through Valley Cities’ programs,” Baldridge explains.
The mobile clinic’s schedule, frequently updated online, prioritizes locations that vulnerable community members already visit, making it easier for them to find the clinic in familiar and comfortable settings.
In addition to providing on-site opportunities to schedule appointments, connect clients with community services and educate the public about Valley Cities’ offerings, the clinic also maintains a supply of donated items such as socks, gloves and hats to distribute as needed.
For more information about Valley Cities, including a list of locations and services, visit valleycities.org.
Show your support for Valley Cities this holiday season
Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care accepts one-time, monthly and legacy donations to help sustain and expand its services throughout King County. Learn how you can support Valley Cities at valleycities.org.
To learn more about the services offered at Valley Cities, visit valleycities.org. If you or someone you know is currently struggling with mental health and/or addiction, contact the Valley Cities team by phone at 253-833-7444 or in person at your local Valley Cities location. You can also call the 24 hour crisis line at 206-461-3222 or toll free at 866-427-4747.
