Wellness on Wheels Brings Healthcare to Communities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2012
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Wellness on Wheels Brings Healthcare to Communities
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Participates in a Mobile Round Up
CHAMPAIGN, IL – On Friday, March 23, 2012, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will partner with the State of Illinois and four other organizations to host the Wellness on Wheels (WOW) “Mobile Round Up”.
The Wellness on Wheels program enables health providers, faith and community-based organizations to offer services to people who often times have limited access to health services: minorities, low-income families, underserved and rural communities. The mobility of this innovative program allows it to conveniently serve multiple populations. Wellness on Wheels has participated across the State of Illinois at such events as back-toschool fairs, Juneteenth Celebrations, health fairs, faith-based celebrations, outdoor sporting events and outreach events for the homeless.
The WOW program, which is funded by the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services, currently has five mobile units that serve various regions of Illinois. They are maintained and operated by the Springfield Urban League (Springfield and O’Fallon), Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (Champaign), Regional Care (Joliet) and Legacy Training and Development (Grand Chain).
The four agencies will be in Champaign for a training followed by a health fair from Noon until 2:00 p.m. at the following two locations: Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, 124 West White Street, Champaign and Washington Square Apartments, 108 West Washington Street, Champaign. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will provide a number of free screening services including HIV, syphilis, blood pressure, STD urine testing and prostate screening; breast and cervical cancer information and diabetes educational services will also be provided.
Wellness on Wheels are mobile clinics that have several potential uses such as physical exams, basic primary care, men and women’s health screenings, HIV testing and counseling, basic health screenings and first aid. WOW mobiles have also been utilized by health departments, employers and hospitals for special needs such as during flu-shot season or at senior centers. Each mobile is approximately 13 feet high by 8 feet wide by 31 feet long and come equipped with a minimum of one exam room, a small workstation, bathroom, air condition, refrigerator and wheelchair accessibility. Wellness on Wheels provides the mobile facility, driver, event scheduling, technical and referral assistance free of charge.
Request a Wellness on Wheels Mobile
If your company or organization is interested in utilizing Wellness on Wheels or if you are a medical professional willing to provide services please call 1-866-792-4325 (HEALTH) or e-mail
Funding for this program is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Health Services
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