Memorial to Improve Health for Underserved Communities 'One City at a Time'

For more than 70 years, Memorial Healthcare System has provided care at its facilities to individuals from communities in south Broward County, regardless of the person’s ability to pay. Now, the health-focused provider is taking things a step further, increasing access for uninsured and underinsured children and adults by providing services directly from underserved locations.

Memorial has unveiled a population health initiative called “One City at a Time” that will station Memorial Primary Care Mobile Health Centers, or mobile units, within cities in south Broward for extended periods of time. Medical professionals with expertise in both pediatric and adult medicine will be on-site to provide vaccines, conduct health screenings and school physicals, and offer nutritional counseling. Additionally, they can make referrals to dentists, determine Medicaid eligibility, and link individuals to social services.

“We know that not having easy access to care is one of the social determinants that impact a person’s overall health,” said Melida Akiti, vice president of the Ambulatory Program and Community Services at Memorial Primary Care. “This effort is focused on removing barriers and increasing trust among people that often feel society has left them behind.”

Memorial’s program began with a kickoff event May 20 at Foster Park in Hallandale Beach. Memorial’s mobile units will then be stationed at that location every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for six weeks. After that, they will remain in the community one day a week for two years. Similar outreach is planned in the next year for locations in Miramar, Dania Beach, and Hollywood. No appointment is necessary and there is never a charge for any of the services provided.

The Memorial program will focus on improving the overall health of those in the community and introduce needy audiences to care that may prevent or treat chronic conditions. Surveys will be conducted in July of this year and again in 2025 to evaluate success.

Memorial Primary Care, part of Memorial Healthcare System, is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate, patient-centered care. With numerous locations and outreach throughout South Florida, its highly-skilled team of healthcare professionals works to meet each individual’s needs in a friendly and culturally-sensitive environment.