A new state-of-the-art mobile health clinic will begin its regular route tomorrow in several public housing communities. The Eskenazi Health Center Mobile Clinic will serve as the first traveling primary care center for the Indianapolis organization.
The Eskenazi Health Center Mobile Clinic will primarily provide service to three public housing communities beginning Sept. 17. The patient care vehicle will be staffed with a nurse practitioner, medical assistant and emergency medical technician.
“Transportation can be a real obstacle. The Eskenazi Health Center Mobile Clinic removes that obstacle by bringing health care to the doorstep,” said Dr. Mark Bustamante, CEO of Eskenazi Health Center, a federally qualified health center (FQHC) that was formerly the division of primary care at Wishard-Eskenazi Health. “We are grateful to work with the Indianapolis Housing Authority (IHA) and the IHA Resident Councils in providing this service.”
The 42-foot-long traveling clinic will see patients from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Laurelwood Apartments on Mondays, Lugar Towers on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Indiana Avenue on Fridays. Wednesdays will be used for community outreach.
“The Indianapolis Housing Agency and our residents are excited by the quality health care services offered by the Eskenazi Health Center Mobile Clinic,” said Rufus “Bud” Myers, executive director of the Indianapolis Housing Agency. “The convenience and affordability offered by this facility will go far to enhance good healthy bodies and minds in our senior and family communities.”
Last week, Eskenazi Health Center celebrated the opening of the mobile clinic, the 10th health center for the organization, with a series of free community events consisting of blood pressure and glucose screenings at its base locations. The Eskenazi Health Center Mobile Clinic will provide the following services:
- Primary care for seniors, adults and children
- Physical exams
- Pregnancy testing
- Family planning services
- Social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Immunizations
Earlier this year, Eskenazi Health Center was designated FQHC status. As an FQHC, Eskenazi Health Center operates 10 separate health care sites located throughout Indianapolis. In 2012, the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) awarded Eskenazi Health Center the Physician Practice Connections® (PPC) Patient-Centered Medical Home™ (PCMH) designation.
People interested in learning more about the Eskenazi Health Center Mobile Clinic or to schedule an appointment may call (317) 544-3474. Walk-up access is also available.
