By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
People with limited access to health care are finding a local lifeline on wheels.
Last September, the Wood County Mobile Health Center hit the road to bring health services to hundreds of people across the county. The unit is reaching people who have gone without health care due to insurance and transportation issues.
“For some of these individuals, it might be the first time they’ve seen a medical professional in many years,” said Tyler Briggs, lead epidemiologist at the Wood County Health Department.
Briggs presented data on the mobile health services Thursday evening to the Wood County Board of Health.
“We are serving people who have a high level of need,” he said. The most requested services from local residents have been tests for blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar.
Designed to expand access and promote wellness, the unit delivers a range of offerings – from infectious disease testing and health screenings to vaccinations and education on services such as tobacco cessation and behavioral health.
Since it’s been on the road, the clinic has seen people ranging from 6 to 89 years old, with a large number of people being between 26-35 years old, Briggs said. Many live in rural areas of the county, and lack transportation and insurance.
“We want to see those most at risk to be tested,” he said.
As a mobile extension of the Wood County Community Health Center in Bowling Green, the unit plays a role in bridging gaps in care. Through partnerships with public libraries, area schools, senior centers, and Children’s Resource Center, the unit brings healthcare to those who need it most.
The mobile unit makes stops in 24 locations across the county.
Most services are provided at no cost, removing financial and insurance barriers so the care is accessible to all.
In the first four months of this year, the mobile health center has provided services to more than 180 people. Fifteen services are currently available during clinic visits, and most consumers use seven or more services per visit.
Briggs presented data on some of the care offered:
- Heart health care is the most requested service, with blood pressure tests being performed with 85% of the consumers. Of the 131 people this year requesting blood pressure screenings, 39% showed Stage 1 hypertension, and an additional 24% tested at Stage 2 hypertension.
- Cholesterol screening results from the mobile unit consumers indicate that few individuals have adequate levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), while the majority had healthy levels of low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides and total cholesterol.
- More than 25% of the consumers did not have an established primary care provider, with the major reasons being insurance issues, lack of transportation, belief they do not need one, and issues with being new to the area.
Pat Snyder, who is in charge of health promotion and preparedness at the health department, told the board of a repeat visitor to the mobile clinic who had tested high for cholesterol and sought further care with a physician.
“We know we are having an impact, getting people to seek primary health care,” Snyder said.
To see where the mobile center is scheduled and the services being offered, visit https://woodcountyhealth.org/health-promotion-preparedness/mobile-health-center/.
