While how students will experience learning this fall may vary in our area, the need to be up to date with school physicals and immunizations remains a necessity for all. For families who have challenges traveling to healthcare facilities it can be tough to ensure kids are up to date. The Mobile Health Services staff work closely with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to target patients and community members facing these issues and bring care to where it’s needed most. They are partnering with the Champaign Unit 4 school district and Rantoul City Schools 137 for the second year to reach more students in need.
The team of providers, nurses, Patient Services Representatives (PSRs), social workers and volunteers will staff four events this year to see as many patients as possible.
Tess Bailey, MD, associate medical director for Community Health Initiatives, is proud of the quality of care the team brings to the region, especially amongst a pandemic.
“This is such a critical time to remain connected to our patients and community members in need of support,” Dr. Bailey said. “As COVID-19 continues to make an impact locally, we are in an excellent position to take Carle’s world-class care outside the walls and into the communities to fill the gaps.”
Adhering to state and federal guidelines drives the processes in place as the team facilitates these large events in addition to their weekly care schedule.
“We follow the same guidelines as other Carle clinics including performing prescreening for illness, distributing masks, offering hand sanitizer at all stations, maintaining social distancing and wearing face shields,” Dr. Bailey said.
As part of the Community Health Initiatives, partnerships like this further larger goals to improve health outcomes of the community.
“In addition to school and sports physicals and immunizations, the Community Health Initiatives social work team attends all of these events offering assistance with insurance coverage and community referrals as needed,” Kelly Parker, MSN, Mobile Health Services manager said. “We hope to provide full social determinants screenings to each student that attends scheduled events. It is truly amazing to see so many departments from Carle partner together to provide this service.”
While these events target for specific procedures, they also serve as an opportunity to introduce the Mobile Health Clinic as a resource to community members who might use it in the future.
“This work enhances community collaboration and trust by bringing care outside our walls and to places that our patients feel comfortable,” Dr. Bailey said. “We have such an amazing team, who are all so passionate about serving the community. So many people help out with the back-to-school events and I think they have really enjoyed the opportunity to recharge their batteries by giving care in a different way.”
The Mobile Health Clinic team has seen more than 200 students for physicals and immunizations at local events so far this summer, with one major event yet to take place.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: “back-to-school”, Community, Community Health, Mobile Health Clinic, Pediatrics