How The Mobile Care Center Is Transforming Access For Rural Families

When the Pediatric Antibiotic Allergy Testing Services (PATS), formerly known as the Penicillin Allergy Testing Service, launched in January 2020, Kimberley Risma, MD, PhD, professor, Division of Allergy and Immunology, envisioned bringing proactive de-labeling efforts to more communities through the Mobile Care Center. 

However, it wasn’t until Tricia Earl, MSN, an RN II in Ambulatory Services – Allergy and Immunology, experienced what she calls “proximity compassion” that the importance of the Mobile Care Center truly came into focus. Participating in the Adams County Health Fair in August 2023, she gained firsthand insight into the challenges faced by families in rural areas. After enduring an hour-plus commute to the event herself, she found herself engaging in some of the most eye-opening and heartfelt conversations with local caregivers, children, and community members. 

“Families spoke openly about their concerns and experiences,” Tricia reflected. “What stood out to me was their shared desire to provide the best for their children by accessing quality healthcare and education.” This perspective underscored her mission and fueled her dedication to increasing healthcare access for underserved communities. 

Thanks to Becky Taylor, an Outpatient Services operations manager, who facilitated connections with West Clermont High School, PATS conducted its first Mobile Care Center on Aug. 5, 2024. This “Maiden Voyage” was specifically designed to serve patients in the east side of Clermont County and Adams County. 

For one Adams County family, the Mobile Care Center represented more than just convenience. While the clinic reduced their travel time by more than 20 minutes each way, the mother revealed that she had never driven to the “big city” before and found the idea intimidating. During their appointment, the family was able to relax in an environment that felt welcoming and safe, with ease of check-in and an atmosphere designed to put patients at ease—even featuring a game of ping pong. 

For this mother, access to healthcare was not just about securing an appointment; it was also about proximity, a comfortable environment, and a process free of unnecessary stress. At the end of their visit, she shared her gratitude for the experience, praising the clinic’s thoughtful design and its impact on her family.