Health board discusses infant mortality, mobile transportation pilot and Ronald McDonald bus visit

The Evansville City Health Board heard updates on maternal and child health programs, including concerns about infant mortality in the Hispanic population, a small-vehicle transportation pilot to help patients reach appointments, and an upcoming Ronald McDonald mobile unit offering prenatal and infant services.

Board staff said the transportation pilot—described in the meeting as a “micro” van—operates like an on-demand ride service and can provide $2 rides; staff called it "kind of an Uber model." Staff said the pilot issues electronic tokens for rides under some insurance arrangements and that the program can be used for doctor appointments and other trips.

The board discussed infant mortality data and the need for better local information. One staff speaker said the group “talked probably a third of the meetings on infant mortality” and specifically called out higher rates in the Hispanic population, but also said the explanation was unclear and that “you need the data.”

Staff also announced that a Ronald McDonald mobile unit will visit next month and that the public can tour the vehicle on Feb. 18. A health department speaker described the unit as ‘‘taking the services to the people’’ and said it will provide daily baby checks and some patient care inside the van.

Board members and staff linked the transportation pilot, the mobile unit and other outreach efforts to the challenge of connecting disadvantaged families to prenatal care and follow-up appointments. Several speakers said better tracking of usage and clearer data on the reasons for rides would help target services and funding.

No formal action or vote on program changes was recorded in the transcript. Board members said they will continue meetings with program partners and collect additional data before recommending policy changes or new funding.