The NNFD Community Health Bus

The Newport News Fire Department (NNFD) is continually innovating to serve our community, and the Community Health Bus is the latest example of this progressive approach. Officially known as the Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) Unit, this state-of-the-art bus represents a major shift in how the NNFD delivers care, taking proactive health services directly to the residents who need them most.

Why a Community Health Bus?

The Community Health Bus is a direct result of the NNFD’s commitment to Community Paramedicine, an initiative focused on delivering preventive care and outreach outside of traditional emergency response.

Funded through a federal grant, the bus’s core mission is to break down healthcare access barriers across Newport News. Fire Chief Wesley Rogers has described it as a way to "deliver health care to our community in totally different ways than you would expect from traditional health care services." The goal is simple: reach residents who may struggle with transportation, scheduling, or affordability, ensuring they receive vital preventive care before a minor issue becomes a 911 emergency.

Services Provided Onboard

The Mobile Integrated Health Unit is staffed by NNFD personnel and partnered agencies, allowing it to provide a critical range of services right in your neighborhood.

The bus provides a hub for essential public health services, including:

• Screenings: Blood pressure checks, glucose readings, and other general health screenings.

• Vaccinations: Offering seasonal immunizations, such as flu shots.

• Resource Referrals: Connecting residents with long-term care, including local hospital systems and the Department of Human Services.

• Mental Health Access: Crucially, the bus is used to link residents with vital mental health resources and referrals.

Part of a Larger Strategy

The Community Health Bus is a high-visibility component of the NNFD’s broader, recognized success in Mobile Integrated Health.

For years, the NNFD has pioneered efforts in this area, including the highly effective CARe Team (Community Assistance Response Program), which pairs a fire paramedic with a qualified mental health professional to respond to non-violent behavioral crises. The Community Health Bus complements this work by focusing on prevention and primary health outreach, allowing the NNFD to connect with residents on health issues before they escalate to an emergency level.

By delivering care directly to neighborhoods, the NNFD is utilizing the bus to save lives, build trust, and ensure that health and wellness are a continuous priority for every member of the Newport News community.

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