Brother’s Brother Foundation Donates Mobile Health Van to AHN for Providing Primary Care in Underserved Communities

PITTSBURGH – Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF), a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh, recently donated a mobile health van to the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Primary Care Institute. A group of leaders from AHN, BBF and the local community gathered today for a formal handing over of the keys.

The mobile health van will be used to provide health screenings and exams to adults and children in areas across Western Pennsylvania marked by social vulnerability and insufficient access to health care programs and services. Following each exam, the care team will work to connect patients with local health and social resources.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) characterizes underserved, vulnerable and special needs populations as communities that include members of minority populations and/or individuals who have experienced health disparities. In addition to having a high risk for multiple health problems and/or pre-existing conditions, these individuals can face several barriers in obtaining proper medical care including a lack of access to transportation services, mobility impairments, limited ability to communicate with caregivers without the assistance of language services, and more.  

The 21-foot van is outfitted with a reticulating exam table, sink and refrigerator for vaccine storage. Providers will have ample storage space for needed equipment and supplies.

“Caring for everyone often means meeting patients where they are to better engage and retain them in care,” said Amy Crawford-Faucher, MD, vice chair, AHN Primary Care Institute. “We are extremely grateful to Brother’s Brother Foundation for this significant donation which enables us to reach more people across our region and essentially provide them with a starting point on a path toward improved health and wellness.”

Founded in 1958, BBF helps bridge the gap between aid and sustainability by supporting localized programs and providing essential resources in the areas of health care, infrastructure, disaster response and education. This latest donation from the Foundation to AHN is an extension of a longstanding partnership between AHN and Highmark aimed at addressing the social determinants of health and supporting those who are marginalized and socially vulnerable.

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