“Wellness on Wheels” is Back in Action
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2005
Contact
Julie Pryde, Director HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management
217-239-7827
Diana Yates, Communications Coordinator
217-531-4275
“Wellness on Wheels” is Back in Action
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Carle Foundation Hospital Team Up to Bring Health Services to the Streets
“Wellness on Wheels is a great way to offer free preventive health services to the people who most need them,” said Julie Pryde, Division Director, HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management.
Champaign, IL – After a one-year hiatus while Carle Foundation Hospital refurbished its mobile clinic, Wellness on Wheels (WOW), a free mobile health program, begins operating again this week. WOW will offer prevention services one day a week on Randolph Street near Springfield Avenue, in Champaign. The program is a joint venture of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Carle Foundation Hospital’s Regional Outreach Services.
The Carle Mobile Clinic is a comprehensive health clinic on wheels. It includes two exam rooms, basic lab and x-ray equipment, a waiting area, restroom and storage. A lift makes the mobile unit accessible to people with physical limitations. Since 1998, it has been used for primary care, immunizations, school physicals, health screenings, and educational presentations.
Starting Friday, January 7, WOW will be parked on the east side of Randolph Street, just north of Springfield Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday (weather permitting).
WOW will offer free blood pressure and blood sugar screening, cholesterol tests, vaccinations, Hepatitis A & B immunizations, Hepatitis C screening, anonymous or 20-minute (confidential) HIV testing, STD testing, pregnancy testing, KidCare health insurance applications and health information. Program staff includes nurses, counselors, health educators, and Spanish-language translators.
WOW first opened its doors in August, 2002. To date, more than 800 people have made use of the various health services it offers.
The Division of HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management investigates and follows up on reportable diseases. It offers health information, referrals, advocacy and educational groups and acts as lead agency for two regional HIV programs. The division’s mission is to improve public health by challenging social injustice, creating responsive services, promoting community involvement and linking those in need to local resources. Social workers, counselors, health educators, addiction counselors and nurses offer case management, health education, prevention and counseling services to all in need.
“We are very excited about our mobile health program, and expect to have continued success in 2005,” said Pryde. She noted that planning is underway with Christie Clinic to offer the same services on their mobile unit. “By expanding and diversifying our services, we will enhance our community outreach,” she said.
For more information about the WOW program or to find a schedule of locations for Wellness on Wheels call 217-239-7827.
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