According to a nationwide report, Kentucky ranks 40th in child wellbeing.1 In 2021, 22% of Kentucky children lived in households with an income below the federal poverty line, and 33% of children lived in families where no parent had full-time, year-round employment. These financial difficulties, especially paired with a lack of childcare, make preventive care visits challenging for many families. Committed to improving children’s health outcomes in Kentucky, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky has invested in the HealthFirst Bluegrass and Fayette Co. Public Schools summer mobile clinic.
HealthFirst Bluegrass is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that has served the Lexington community for over 30 years, with over 20,000 active patients across 17 locations.2 The summer mobile clinic is visiting all 17 locations from June 10 through July 27, 2024, offering appointments and walk-in visits to the community. Medical services, which include check-ups, sports physicals and immunizations, are provided at no cost and regardless of insurance status. HealthFirst Bluegrass is collaborating with Optum Mobile Serve, which is providing the mobile clinic van. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky’s investment supports the cost of the van as well as staff wages.
While all community members can use the clinic’s services, the primary goal is to impact pediatric well-child visits and immunizations. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children need regular well-child visits to track their development and detect health problems early, when they are usually easier to treat.3 Preventive care, such as screenings and vaccinations, reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions and disabilities.
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky is dedicated to improving health outcomes for local children and all community members. Through this investment, the health plan aims to increase the rate of pediatric well-child visits and immunizations, leading to a long-term, positive health impact for Kentucky youth. For more information on how the health plan is supporting the local community, visit the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Kentucky website.
