Novant Health’s New Community Care Cruiser Debuts at Wellness Event
On October 21, Novant Health introduced its Community Care Cruiser at the Fall Into Wellness Community Health Fair held at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA in Salisbury. This initiative aims to provide healthcare directly to those who face barriers in accessing medical services.
Gary Blabon, president of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, expressed his excitement for this project, made possible through generous donations. He emphasized that the cruiser will ensure healthcare reaches people who may struggle to visit the hospital. “With this mobile cruiser, we will be able to go to you,” he said.
The cruiser will team up with local organizations such as the YMCA and churches to offer various health services. Kristen Trexler Reavis mentioned that the cruiser aims to reach areas with limited transportation access, offering screenings for conditions like blood pressure and A1C levels. As she shared this news, her enthusiasm was palpable: “As of 4:02 p.m. today, this cruiser is on the road!”
The team will feature a registered nurse, a nurse manager from Emergency Services, and a dedicated driver. They plan to connect residents with existing community resources, including food services like Meals on Wheels. An important future goal is to provide free vaccinations to children, ensuring they receive essential immunizations.
This cruiser concept follows similar models found in cities like Winston-Salem and Charlotte. Blabon noted that the idea was born from observations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for accessible healthcare options, especially for those unable to attend in-person appointments.
“Remarkable care happens where people live, work, and gather, not just inside our facilities,” Blabon stated. He believes that these cruisers will break down barriers to healthcare access, facilitating connections to services and ongoing care for residents.
Public interest in such initiatives is rising. A recent survey by the American Hospital Association found that 55% of respondents identified access to care as a major concern in their communities. Programs like the Community Care Cruiser directly address this issue by fostering better health outcomes.
After the ribbon cutting, attendees were encouraged to tour the cruiser, piquing the interest of many young students, including aspiring healthcare professionals from local high schools.
Concurrently, the Fall Into Wellness event featured various vendors, offering health screenings, flu vaccinations, and information on community support resources. This blend of education and engagement exemplifies Novant Health’s commitment to community wellness.
For more information or to schedule the cruiser, you can visit the Novant Health website.
