Unlock Summer Wellness: Free Services from Cleveland’s Mobile Health Clinics!

Cleveland’s public health department is launching mobile health clinics this summer at local recreation centers. These clinics will set up shop on most Tuesday afternoons from June to August, making health services more accessible for residents.

The clinics offer a variety of free services, including blood pressure checks and screenings for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Katrese Minor, director of Community Health Services, emphasizes that not everyone feels comfortable visiting hospitals or clinics. The mobile clinics serve as a crucial link for those seeking health information or services.

Each mobile unit features two exam rooms, a bathroom, and a blood-drawing area. Cleveland City Council invested over $1 million in 2021 to acquire these vehicles. The first mobile unit launched in February 2024, rotating among three recreation centers, while a second unit is set to begin this summer.

According to Minor, these clinics are not just about check-ups; they also connect residents to ongoing healthcare. Blood pressure screenings, for instance, have led to referrals for individuals with concerning results. The clinics have also expanded their services to include bystander CPR training and resources for pediatric asthma care.

Where and When to Find the Mobile Clinics

The clinics will be open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at various recreation centers:

• June 3 — Thurgood Marshall, 8611 Hough Ave
• June 10 — Michael J. Zone, 6301 Lorain Ave
• June 17 — Frederick Douglass, 15401 Miles Ave
• June 24 — Gunning Park, 16700 Puritas Ave
• July 1 — Cudell Neighborhood, 1910 West Blvd
• July 8 — Zelma George, 3155 MLK Jr Blvd
• July 15 — Lonnie Burten, 2511 East 46th St
• July 22 — Fairfax, 2335 East 82nd St
• July 29 — Earle B. Turner, 11300 Miles Ave
• August 12 — Estabrook, 4125 Fulton Rd
• August 19 — Collinwood, 16300 Lakeshore Blvd
• August 26 — Alexander Hamilton, 13200 Kinsman Rd

Services Offered

The mobile clinics provide essential health services, including:

• Blood pressure screenings
• Bystander CPR training
• Pregnancy testing
• Information on prenatal and postnatal care
• Testing and counseling for STDs
• Substance use screening and referrals

While vaccinations aren’t available at the mobile clinics, residents will be directed to local health centers for those services. Prescriptions may be written for certain tests, such as STDs, but it varies by case.

The clinics also offer harm-reduction resources, including fentanyl test strips. However, while they don’t provide naloxone (Narcan), they can refer individuals to suppliers.

Accessibility and Process

The mobile clinics operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Minor notes that wait times are usually manageable, as they provide seating and awnings for residents waiting outside.

Cleveland’s move to implement mobile clinics aligns with the broader trend of increasing access to healthcare in underserved communities. A 2022 survey showed that 30% of residents in low-income areas felt unable to access necessary health services. Solutions like mobile clinics help bridge that gap, making preventative care and resources available to those who need them most.

This initiative not only addresses immediate health needs but also fosters a sense of community and support. Cleveland’s mobile health clinics represent a vital effort to ensure everyone can seek the health services they require, contributing to a healthier, more informed city.

For more detailed information about the mobile health clinics, you can visit the Cleveland Public Health Department.

Source link

Cleveland Department of Public Health,Department of Public Health