As we began to dip our toes into the world of healthcare, I soon realized it was more of a dive then a nice swim. There are much more factors that lay the foundation for a healthy community and running hospital than meets the eye. The world of healthcare to me is reminds me of the ocean, there is much more depth than one can see along with endless possibilities and the unknown.
We were introduced to HDR’s Focal Point campus by Julia Louie in our first week. Although the program has been very thought-out with a team of high individuals. We are being challenged to experiment with the program they have set forward. Not only are we thinking of challenging the program but also the site. We begin to ask ourselves what other factors are missing and how can we think of improving certain aspects to lengthen the longevity of this campus we are designing.
Transportation in Lawndale is an obstacle that I believe to be a determinant factor. This is hindering the health of this community. If transportation becomes a part of the program it can be an integral part of furthering the longevity of the community’s health. The people of Lawndale rely mostly on the pink line for public transportation. The NLCC has reported that in 2017 the bus ridership has decreased by 3% along with that most people are driving their own cars. How can we reach out into the community and provide better transportation which will in retrospect improve the overall health of the community. By granting access to better transportation meaning creating walkable, bikable, and transit-oriented communities, we can build a healthier population. This can lead the community to more physical activity, lower body weight, lower rates of traffic injuries, improved mobility for non-drivers, and less air pollution.
How can this be made into a business case? Well there are many factors that play in the favor of this improvement. With poor access to transportation means we are seeing many individuals who are missing appointments, not filling prescriptions, experiencing delays in care which lead to disease progression, and readmissions. By supporting transportation improvement, we will see healthy outcomes and the quality of life rise within the community and cost savings all around.
There are many hospitals that are beginning to incorporate and partner with companies such as Uber and Lyft. I also came across an article on mobihealhnews.com which introduces a startup called Circulation. It is a new way in which hospitals can use Uber’s technology to set up transportation for non-emergency transportation to and from appointments. These advancements in transportation have created a new path for us as architects to design for. By implementing these developments in the program and thinking ahead 5-10 years, we can begin to design and create new spaces which will evolve with these technologies over time.
Images: https://cleantechnica.com/2017/02/05/uber-vs-lyft-differences-drivers/ https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160927005396/en/Circulation-Chosen-Uber%E2%80%99s-Preferred-Healthcare-Platform-Partner
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