Health care goes mobile
Multnomah County Health Department’s Mobile Medical Van expands into East County
The Multnomah County Health Department’s Mobile Medical Clinic has expanded its services into Rockwood. The mobile clinic delivers primary care services to medically needy families and individuals throughout Multnomah County who are currently without health care. The 40-foot clinic provides access to medical care, lab, and screening services at seven designated “host” social service agencies.
According to a recent study of community need in Multnomah, Washington and Yamhill Counties conducted by Providence Health Services, the Rockwood zip code had the highest Community Need Index of all zip codes in the tri-county area. Residents in Rockwood are disproportionately uninsured with 20 percent to 30 percent of the residents lacking health insurance, compared to a county-wide rate of 17 percent.
The Health Department received $25,000 each from Pacific Source Foundation and Providence Health System to establish a site in Rockwood for the first year. In addition, the program receives $123,000 from United Way to help provide mental health care and a $300,000 federal grant from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), as well as Multnomah County general fund.
The grand opening of the Mobile Medical Clinic’s Rockwood site will be held:
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Human Solutions Employment /Gresham Police Department's Rockwood Community Offices
18709 SE Stark St.
503-548-0284
Host community organizations assist clients in accessing other needed services such as case management, domestic violence intervention, housing, employment, education, and support groups. Sites include Human Solutions Employment Office in Rockwood, Friendly House, Human Solutions – Portland site, JOIN, Portland Impact – Dancing Tree and Brentwood Darlington offices, and Salvation Army Harbor Light.
According to Multnomah County Health Department Director Lillian Shirley, “Each family member we will treat means one less person seeking emergency room services for a medical problem that could have been prevented. Equally important is linking with our partner agencies that provide the services and supports to help these families become self-sufficient.”
Posted on October 2, 2008
Comments
(Note: Comments are the views of their authors, and no one else.)