Mobile Integrated Health

Many residents of Wabash Township have insufficient access to and availability of healthcare resources. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Tippecanoe County was first designated as a medically underserved area in 1994 and continues to be a health professional shortage area (HPSA) for primary care, mental health, and dental health.

The two hospitals are located within 20 miles or approximately a 30-minute drive for many township residents. However, nearly 1,500 households do not have a vehicle, cannot readily access public transportation, or require several bus transfers to reach a hospital. Offices for most primary care providers in the region are near the hospitals in Lafayette, perpetuating a chronic severe shortage of primary care providers in Wabash Township.

Residents from surrounding rural counties also rely upon Tippecanoe County's healthcare resources, further straining the system. Wait times for primary care appointments or follow-up care can be several months. Potential benefits from continuity of care are minimal as many Wabash Township residents are reliant upon Lafayette's hospitals and three urgent care facilities, all operating at capacity, and all located within a half mile of each other in West Lafayette.

Wabash Township MIH provides solutions to these challenges.

1. Follow up home visits for persons in need or determined to be at risk as identified by local partners such as hospitals, DCS, APS, various social service agencies, TCHD, churches, and others.
2. Follow up for residents who make frequent 911 calls in our response area or present particular concern to first responders.
3. Blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring.
4. Wound care.
5. Medication reconciliation in conjunction with a local pharmacy with deep roots in the community.
6. Short term assistance to obtain essential medication, including insulin.
7. Well-being and home safety checks.