A mobile medical unit is making it easier to provide on-spot screening and care to people of southern West Virginia at sporting events, businesses and health fairs.
It was designed as a way to effectively provide health screenings for businesses, students and the general public. It has two exam rooms, a reception area, a restroom and a receiving area where nurses can check vital signs.
Jennifer Plymale, director of the Center for Rural Health, said the mobile medical unit fills an important niche for the region without duplicating services.
Physicians and other medical personnel from Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine staff the van and the Center for Rural Health provides the driver.
The project has offered aid on the sidelines of soccer and football games, provided occupational health screenings for businesses and sports physicals for schools, provided demonstrations at Concord University Summer Academy and done screenings at the Lincoln County Health Fair.
Plymale said in addition to the basics found in a primary care physician's office, there also is a microscope for checking samples, supplies needed for starting IVs and things necessary to handle minor office surgeries such as stitches.
U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd secured federal funding for the project.
"I hope this new device will help southern West Virginians overcome the roadblocks that have prevented them from receiving quality medical treatment that they deserve," Byrd said.
The mobile clinic is part of a more widespread grant to the Center for Rural Health from the Office for the Advancement of Telehealth, which is part of the Health Resources and Services Administration.
Kyla Asbury can be contacted at asbury34@marshall.edu.
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