For more than twenty years, Matrix has helped America stay healthy by providing life-changing healthcare services to individuals wherever they are. This was especially true during the pandemic, when Matrix brought critical healthcare to populations across the US. In Minnesota, Matrix partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health to rapidly deploy mobile clinics to deliver critical COVID-19 services, namely COVID-19 vaccinations and monoclonal antibody treatments. This partnership, and the services delivered, are consistent with Matrix’s vision of ensuring equal access to comprehensive quality care, for everyone, everywhere.

Providing vital healthcare services to underserved communities is a challenge in the best of times. Compound this with the surge of COVID-19 cases and sub-zero temperatures, and you have a sense of the complex challenge the state of Minnesota faced during the most recent wave of the pandemic.

Reducing Severe Illness and Hospitalizations  

Prior to the Mobile Health Clinics, patients in some areas traveled up to 300 miles to get monoclonal antibody treatment. However, with the strategically placed mobile clinics, many residents were able to get treatment right in their own neighborhood. To date, more than 3,000 residents have received the monoclonal antibody treatment through the mobile clinics.

“Matrix is uniquely positioned to help because we can travel with experienced clinicians and state-of-the-art equipment to assist people who might not otherwise receive timely treatment,” said Ryan Heyborne, MD, MBA, FACEP, Matrix Chief Medical Officer. “Once treated, patients can continue recovering at home, easing the strain on overcrowded health facilities and staff.”

Each mobile clinic has three rooms for patient care and privacy. The intravenous treatment must be administered within 10 days of symptom onset and takes about two hours to complete. After treatment, many patients report feeling better within 24-48 hours.

Focusing on Patient Care and Comfort

In addition to the convenience, Matrix staff is also helping patients overcome language barriers. Several clinicians speak to patients in their native language, including Spanish, Somali and Hmong. Interpreters are also available to help patients feel more at ease.

Creating a positive patient experience is a priority for the Matrix team. “We recently received a phone call from a patient treated at one of our mobile clinics in Minnesota. She lives with multiple sclerosis and also previously had a stroke,” noted Matrix Clinical Director Meg Reese. “The patient said she felt taken care of from the moment she arrived in the parking lot, where our crew member helped her out of the car and into the clinic. She complimented the staff’s dedication to patient care and described them as being the ‘best ever’ at what they do. Comments like that are so rewarding and fuel our passion to help.”