OUR COMMUNITY — 2023 21
medical clinic offers infants , children and adults fullservice medical care to make sure families stay healthy . Practitioners have experience in pediatrics , family medicine , and women ’ s health and pregnancy .
It provides : chronic condition management and education ; treatment of acute illness ; physicals , wellness care , and assessments ; school and sports physicals and immunizations ; lab testing ; referrals and applications for social services .
“ The Carle Mobile Health Clinic is truly a full-service , walk-in clinic for every age group , from a couple days old to geriatric care ,” said Kelly Parker , RN manager for Carle ’ s mobile health services .
Anyone can walk in , on a first come , first served basis .
Services include primary , acute care , full lab services , vaccinations and women ’ s health care .
Parker said they can have school districts , the Salvation Army and health department reach out for certain needs . The mobile clinic is in Vermilion County once a month or more .
She said they ’ ve been traveling to the New Life Church of Faith in Danville since 2020 .
“ We designed it ourselves ,” Parker said about of constructing the mobile clinic . It was built in Ohio and was a customized coach bus , from the chassis up .
“ It ’ s designed to look like any other brick and motor building ...,” Parker said of a clinic just on wheels . “ We are the same quality services you receive at clinics , the hospital .”
There are two exam rooms on board , in addition to a registration area , lab area , a
restroom and nursing triage area .
Parker said they ’ d like to be in Vermilion County more than once a month , and more consistently .
The clinic , however , can be affected by questionable weather and strong winds .
There are at least four staff members on the bus , including nurse practitioners and a social worker .
Walker said the bus isn ’ t tight or congested . There ’ s plenty of room .
“ It ’ s very comfortable ,” she said .
“ Back to school is a busy time ,” Walker added , about physicals , vision testing and vaccinations .
The mobile clinic helps them reach more people .
Getting people to health care is the goal of local health care providers , Parker added , saying that they can refer people to OSF or Aunt Martha ’ s or elsewhere to best take care of
Jake Ozier with SmartMeals to be given to senior citizens at CRIS Healthy Aging in Danville . Photo by Jennifer Bailey
OUR COMMUNITY — 2023 21