Mobile clinic overcomes obstacles to keep kids healthy
When the Pediatric Mobile Clinic pulled into the Northside neighborhood, Beatric Rodriguez was waiting with her 3-year-old son, Esteban, who she brought in for a checkup.
“I am thankful this clinic is here because without it, I couldn’t afford to take my son to the doctor,” she said.
Helena Castanoa brought her two children for a checkup after reading a news article about the clinic’s opening.
“This clinic is a blessing to the Fort Worth community,” she said. “I was a single mom for many years and understand how difficult it is to afford health care expenses.”
Helena’s 8-year-old son, Gabriel, was more assertive in his praise. “It’s awesome!” he said.
“It wasn’t scary at all, and kids will have fun,” Gabrel predicted. He particularly enjoyed coloring a picture of the mobile clinic that now hangs on the wall of the unit.
More than 75,000 uninsured children live in Tarrant County. UNTHSC’s specially equipped mobile clinic will bring much-needed health care to kids in the Morningside, Como, Stop Six and Northside neighborhoods.
It provides examinations for routine physicals, sick visits, immunizations, screenings and laboratory testing. Patient-centered health education in nutrition, physical activity and dental health also will be provided.
Its goal is to bring quality care to children at highest risk and lower costs by promoting good health and disease prevention.
“We are doing something really great for children in Fort Worth,” said Laura Standish, Clinic Director. “By bringing health care services directly to the community, we are helping our families overcome the traditional barriers to health care access. We welcome everyone and are compassionately dedicated to making a difference one child at a time.”
The Pediatric Mobile Clinic is staffed by an experienced team of bilingual clinical professionals from UNTHSC. This interprofessional team includes a board-certified pediatrician, registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, social worker, medical assistants and other health care professionals. It also includes a research team.
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