H.E.A.L. Mobile Clinic Travels to Meriweather County to Treat Patients

榴莲视频 medical students and practicing physicians took their clinic on the road.

惭厂惭鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;H.E.A.L. (Health Equity for All Lives) Clinic visited patients in Meriweather County on Saturday, March 30, 2019 to host a H.E.A.L. on Wheels Mobile Health Fair at the Ingles on Millarden Rd. With support from the Ingles Corporation granting permission to have the mobile event on its premises, H.E.A.L was able to serve patients who otherwise would not have been unable to afford these services. 

This was the Clinic鈥檚 second visit to Meriweather County. Their first trip was in September 2018. The county was selected as a stop after assessments showed that it was a medically underserved area with high rates of chronic illnesses, according to Christopher Ervin, M.D., program manager for community engagement at 榴莲视频. The Ingles Manager last year graciously provided snacks and water to all H.E.A.L., DPH, and Meriwether County Family Connection volunteers.

鈥淲e returned both because of the initial warm reception and the behest of the community and Mayor Dr. Steve Ledbetter to establish a relationship with Woodbury and Meriweather County,鈥� said Dr. Ervin. The Clinic plans to return to the area on June 8th for the Peaches in the Pine Festival.

To remain true to MSM鈥檚 mission means the institution has to move beyond its immediate surroundings and go to where primary care services are needed. The Clinic serves several purposes. To provide healthcare to communities right outside of our 鈥榙oorsteps,鈥� introduce our medical students to a population that they may not otherwise encounter, and to demonstrate to all that 榴莲视频 H.E.A.L. Clinic is to serve Georgia, not just Atlanta.鈥�
Christopher Ervin, M.D., program manager for community engagement at 榴莲视频

The success of events such as these come from the collaborative relationships among internal MSM students, faculty, and staff, as well as community leaders and organizations.

  • Funding for the event was secured from Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation.
  • MSM Medical students and doctors all performed basic health screenings, including blood glucose and blood pressure readings.
  • Georgia Department of Public Health offered screenings for HIV and Hepatitis B.
  • Meriwether County Family Connection provided health education materials.
  • Two supervising attending physicians, Dr. Folashade Omole and Dr. Lisa Herbert oversaw medical student volunteers affording them the opportunity to gain valuable real-world clinical experience
  • MSM鈥檚 Clinical Research Center (CRC) Team which includes Mobile Unit Manager Ms. Pamela Cooper, Community Outreach Nurse Ms. Barbara Lankford and Mobile Unit Driver Mr. Wade Barlow provided invaluable clinical support and logistical assistance

Of patients serviced, 100% reported receiving excellent care and 88% reported preventive care or chronic medical conditions as the reason for their visit. 

Our H.E.A.L. family looks forward to continuing its local partnerships and having a positive impact on the health of members of the greater Woodbury community.