Innovations in Healthcare Delivery: Mobile Clinics, School-Based Health Centers, and Telehealth  

Our healthcare needs do not follow a set schedule.  For many individuals and families, it’s difficult to schedule an appointment during the day, in the evenings or weekends.  If they do get an appointment at a time that works, then the care is expensive.  In our community, there are individuals who do not have a primary care provider and have not established care with a doctor.  Often, as illness and medical conditions arise, the emergency department and urgent care became the common access point and waiting to be seen by a provider can take 4 to 7 hours.   Innovations in healthcare delivery, such as mobile clinics, school-based health centers, and telehealth, help increase patient access to care. In South Snohomish County, there are a number of Verdant funded partners providing healthcare access.  Read on about these innovative services that are bringing care to residents who need it most. 

 Mobile Clinics – Meeting People Where They Are 

Medical Teams International partners with local agencies, churches, and nonprofits, and provides dental care, alongside health screenings and referrals. This model allows for a more holistic approach to care, and helps clients navigate the healthcare system, and receive care in connection with a trusted partner. Upcoming locations:  

Lynnwood Food Bank
Fridays, April 11th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th: 8 am – 2 pm 
Call/text for appointment at (206) 369-6249 

Trinity Lutheran Church
Saturdays, April 12th (FULL), May 17th, June 7th, July 19th: 8 am – 2 pm 
Call/text for appointment at (385) 390-1818 

St. Pius X Catholic Church
Tuesday, April 15th, May 6th, June 10th, July 15th: 9 am – 2 pm 
Call for appointment at (206) 948-0660 

Evergreen Recovery Center
Wednesday, April 23rd: 9 am – 2 pm 
Call/text for appointment at (425) 829-9435 

Mercy Watch provides street medicine, wound care and outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness.  They meet people where they are and build long term relationships. Their mobile unit with volunteer doctors and nurses treats patients at different community locations recording patient histories that can be referenced for future care. They also provide food, blankets, and information about available local resources. In South Snohomish County, Mercy Watch is at the Lynnwood Hygiene Center the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 11:45 AM – 2 PM and at Trinity Lutheran Church on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 8:30 AM – 10 AM. 

 School-Based Health Centers – Improving Healthcare Access for Students 

Many students face barriers in accessing healthcare such as a lack of insurance, long wait times, and transportation issues.  In partnership with Edmonds School District and Community Health Center of Snohomish County, Verdant launched the first School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) in Snohomish County. Meadowdale High School and Mountlake Terrace High School, provide free, on-site healthcare services during school hours, which is also open to students from other elementary and middle schools (see full list here). The SBHCs provide services that range from routine check-ups and mental health screenings to dental care and vaccinations.  

Telehealth – Expanding Access and Convenience 

Telehealth allows patients to access medical services from the comfort of their own homes. The benefits of telehealth are clear: it increases accessibility and reduces wait times. In addition, telehealth reduces transportation costs and eliminates time constraints for patients who may otherwise struggle to find time or resources for in-person appointments. When seeking healthcare services, patients can ask community healthcare organizations what telehealth options they offer.    

Community Health Center of Snohomish County offers appointments at one of their clinics and they also offer telehealth for some types of appointments.  A telehealth appointment takes place online, and you can see and speak to your healthcare provider on video. This type of visit can be done at home, work, or other location convenient for the patient. 

In an evolving healthcare landscape, innovations such as mobile clinics, school-based health centers, and telehealth are helping to reshape how care is delivered. Reach out to the partners below to learn more about organizations providing healthcare services in South Snohomish County. 

• Lahai Health – medical, dental, and counseling services offered at multiple locations including two locations in Lynnwood 

• CHC of Snohomish County – medical, dental, pharmacy, and behavioral health services with several locations including Edmonds and Lynnwood 

• SeaMar Community Health Centers – medical, dental, pharmacy, behavioral health and health education programs from the Lynnwood location 

• Project Access Northwest – connects uninsured and underinsured patients to specialty medical, dental and mental health care  

• Prescription Drug Assistance Foundation – helps uninsured and underinsured patients obtain prescription medications more affordably 

• Edmonds Waterfront Center – offers a variety of health programs including an innovative foot care clinic and options for mobile mammograms and dental care 

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