OWHN Mobile Services Expand Healthcare Access in Rural Oregon

The Oregon Washington Health Network (OWHN) is bringing healthcare, substance use treatment, and social services directly to rural residents through its UCOPE/COPES mobile services program, OWHN reported.

The initiative aims to bypass traditional barriers such as long distances, lack of transportation, and social stigma that frequently prevent people in rural communities from accessing essential care.

By moving services out of static clinics and into the community, the program attempts to bridge the gap for those living in underserved areas of Eastern Oregon.

The program has changed its delivery model to better serve its target demographics. While it originally launched as a standard mobile clinic, the organization recognized that traditional medical models were not reaching the most vulnerable populations.

In response to this realization, the program pivoted to a peer-led outreach strategy. This new approach focuses on relationship-building and establishing trust with community members in their own environments.

Staff and peer support specialists now engage with individuals in various locations, including:

Neighborhoods and residential areas
Local parks
Encampments
Treatment centers
Community gathering spaces

This method of meeting people where they are has allowed the program to connect more effectively with individuals facing housing instability and substance use disorders.

Beyond immediate medical needs, the UCOPE/COPES mobile services act as a conduit to a broader network of support. The program assists community members with several layers of essential services.

The outreach teams provide health screenings and assistance with benefits enrollment. They also facilitate referrals to both behavioral health services and medical care.

For those struggling with the logistics of rural life, the program offers connections to housing resources, treatment, recovery support, and transportation assistance.

The Oregon Rural Health (ORH) recently selected the Oregon Washington Health Network for its Rural Organization Highlight Series. This series is designed to recognize organizations that are implementing positive changes within Oregon’s rural landscapes.

The success of the UCOPE/COPES model suggests that flexibility and community listening are vital components for improving health outcomes in remote regions. By adapting its service model to match the specific needs of the community, the program has expanded its reach across the region.

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