Mobile wellness unit deployed in Southwest Oklahoma

The Mobile Wellness Unit from the county health department in District 5 is hitting the road this week after months of preparation. The goal is to bring more healthcare services to rural communities in southwest Oklahoma.

“Some people have trouble getting the healthcare they need, so that is why the health department is taking healthcare to them. We can reduce or remove some of the major barriers that create health disparities in our rural communities,” said District 5 Health Planner Debra Johnson.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health purchased nine Mobile Wellness Units to be used across the state’s Public Health Districts. The mobile units were purchased with COVID relief funding and consist of a fifth wheel travel trailer pulled by an extended cab dually RAM pickup truck. District 5, which serves 10 counties in southwest Oklahoma, received its vehicle in June.

The mobile unit is designed to focus on rural areas to fill a gap in communities where people do not have access to healthcare or cannot afford it. The trailer is equipped to facilitate full clinic services for children and family health, well-checks, vaccines, nutrition, and education. There is a built-in reception area, generator, satellite dish and wheelchair lift among other features. The vans are designed for less invasive medical visits and to assist with other public health programs.

“Mobilizing the wellness unit will allow public health services to be provided in a wide variety of settings, including neighborhoods, community events, and festivals. It is an effective way to reach people where they live, work, and play,” said Johnson.

Johnson said the mobile wellness unit will have an advanced registered nurse practitioner (APRN) treating patients. The goal is to go to a different location each day and see up to 30 patients daily.

Current schedule for the Mobile Wellness Unit:

Eakly - Wednesday, November 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Eakly Community Center - 427 W. Main St.

Geronimo - Thursday, November 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Nutrition Center - 101 Main St.

Randlett - Monday, November 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Randlett Community Bldg. - 6th and D Avenue

Olustee - Tuesday, November 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Town Hall - 105 W. 4th St.

Mt. View - Tuesday, November 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Car Wash on Main Street

Tipton - Wednesday, December 1, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Parking lot at 201 E. Baseline (Hwy 5)

Binger - Tuesday, December 7, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Church of God - 619 Main St.

Duke - Tuesday, December 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Duke Community Bldg. - 113 W. 2nd St.

Lone Wolf - Wednesday, December 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Senior Citizen Bldg. - Main Street

Additional dates, times, and locations for the mobile wellness unit will be posted on the county health department’s Facebook pages and on the OSDH website at: https://oklahoma.gov/health/county-health-departments/mobile-wellness-units.html.