Background
In 2023, the local non-profit organization Central City Concern (CCC) launched the Mobile Health program to help those struggling with homelessness. Under this program, two mobile health vans provide care to Portland's homeless population. The program was done as part of a collaboration with the Non-profit organization Medical Teams International (MTI). The vans are operated by the two organizations, with CCC offering primary care services while MTI provides dental. These vans arrived in 2024, and are currently active in providing care to the community on a schedule.
Independently from this program, MTI offers urgent mobile dental care to various communities in Oregon and Washington. In Oregon, they provide service to Tualatin, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Vancouver, Oregon City, Eastport, Gresham, Vancouver, and Portland.
How It Works
The mobile clinics provide care free of charge. Patients who lack dental insurance, are underinsured, and cannot afford or access emergency dental treatments are eligible. It is important to note that some sites could potentially have further eligibility requirements. These vans rely on volunteer professionals in the dental hygiene space who donate their time to help citizens. Currently, they are only offering urgent dental procedures such as extractions or fillings for patients with bleeding, pain, or swelling. However, they are considering less urgent services, such as dental cleanings, provided they can find volunteers for it. It is unknown at this point if or when this might be enacted.
Patients are screened for COVID-19 symptoms before being allowed to enter the intake tent. If they are exhibiting at-risk symptoms, they will be turned away. At the intake tent, the patients complete paperwork before being seen inside the mobile clinic.
Where to access it
The mobile clinics are available at different locations on different days. The CCC mobile healthcare vans operate Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm. They visit sanctioned and unsanctioned camps, congregate shelters, motel shelters, and day centers. MTI's clinics are far easier to track than the former. They operate on a schedule that can be accessed on MTI's website using the provided link: here. Additionally, they also offer numbers to call to schedule appointments at each location.
Conclusion
Those in need of urgent medical care without access to the traditional means of care have options. These mobile health clinics provide important care and resources to anyone in dire need of assistance. However, those afflicted with COVID-19 should wait before seeking dental care. Similarly, some clinics may have stipulations for eligibility. For more information, see this article's sources.
Sources:
KGW Staff. (16AD). Central City Concern Launches Mobile Health Program for People Experiencing Homelessness. kgw.com. https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/solutions/central-city-concern-mobile-health-people-experiencing-homelessness/283-b16a93fb-98bc-457b-8ab7-5f456cce5734
Mobile Health - Health Location. Central City Concern. (2024, December 18). https://centralcityconcern.org/health-care-location/mobile-health/
Mobile Dental Program. Medical Teams International. (2025, January 29). https://www.medicalteams.org/how-we-heal/mobile-dental-program/
Noreen, K. (2024, September 18). Mobile Community Dental Care offers compassion and connection. WhatcomTalk. https://www.whatcomtalk.com/2024/09/24/mobile-community-dental-care-offers- compassion-and-connection/
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