New mobile health clinic for Wichita’s urban poor
The Good Samaritan Medical Clinic is proud to announce their brand new 40-foot mobile medical clinic! The mobile unit takes to the streets this month and will bring care to Wichita’s urban poor.
The program is the inspiration of World Impact, a faith-based organization that has been providing medical care and spiritual solace to the urban poor since 1987.
World Impact chose Wichita, Kansas for the location of their first mobile medical vehicle after thorough research. The emergency room is the only available care for many of Wichita’s urban poor. And many have no way of getting there. It’s common for patients in this population to have no record of their medical history.
Doctors on board will be able to take medical histories, write prescriptions, and dispense medicines.
Previously, the outreach program has been operating from three churches. The mobile medical clinic will service seven more locations. World Impact’s program benefits the whole community. Not only does it help the patients, but also it takes some of the pressure off the emergency room in local hospitals.
“We spent a lot of time researching the need and whether or not we would get local hospital support and government grants” said Nick Martineau, the outreach program director. “We’ve been given the gift of an expensive medical van and we want to use it to its fullest potential.”
Lynn and Foster Friess Family Foundation donated the vehicle. The new clinic has two medical exam rooms, a medical laboratory, refrigerator, restroom, office area, waiting room, and storage space for medical equipment.
World Impact looked at many options before purchasing the specialty medical vehicle. After flying to visit two mobile medical manufacturers, they finally choose Ohio-based LifeLine Mobile Inc.
Nick Martineau said, “LifeLine was the clear choice because of their service and support. When they delivered the van, they spent a day going over how everything works. At this beginning stage, we call their helpline every day for advice. ”
A team of volunteer medical staff will staff the clinic. Operations are funded by numerous government grants and individual contributions. Some of the staff are active fundraisers and provide additional support.
World Impact and Good Samaritan Medical Ministries hope to duplicate this ministry in a number of cities.
cr @ March 29, 2006