Page 48 - LIN_March-2025-web-file-r

Taking Healthcare

to Patients

by Gabriele O’Boyle, APR, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

tudies show that as many as one in five people may forgo tailored to their needs. The three-room design allows multiple
healthcare due to a lack of reliable transportation, leading to services to be provided simultaneously, increasing efficiency and
Smissed appointments, delayed care or medication usage and reducing wait times. Its wheelchair-accessible layout underscores
poor management of chronic illnesses. Healthcare Network’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.
This can lead to poorer health outcomes, particularly for low- The Outreach Mobile, also newly introduced, is focused on
income and remote populations and older adults. addressing the needs of high-risk, homebound patients who face
Barriers to transportation include: lack of a personal vehicle, barriers such as mobility challenges, transportation issues, and other
limited public transportation, high transportation costs such as social determinants of health. Coordinated by Healthcare Network’s
taxis or ride-sharing services, and distance to healthcare facilities. Community Outreach Team, the unit provides chronic disease
As a result, Healthcare Network has taken health care on management, health screenings, and wellness visits.
the road, with three mobile units designed to provide services to Longstanding Impact with the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile
populations that may have difficulty getting to facilities throughout In addition to these new units, Healthcare Network operates
Collier County. the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, a partnership with Ronald
Introducing Two New Units McDonald House Charities©, which has provided mobile pediatric
Most recently Healthcare Network, a nonprofit Federally services since 2004. This unit visits schools, community centers,
Qualified Health Center, unveiled two brand-new mobile units and neighborhoods, offering dental screenings, sealants, fluoride
designed to expand access to care: the Van Domelen Health treatments, school physicals, and Head Start screenings.
Express and the Outreach Mobile. “With transportation being a huge barrier to care for many of
The Van Domelen Health Express is a state-of-the-art, our patients, our mobile units allow us to more effectively address
45 foot mobile medical and dental unit made possible through the needs of our most at-risk patients,” said Healthcare Network
a generous donation by local philanthropist Julia Van Domelen. President and CEO Jamie Ulmer. “Support from the Bill and Julia
This innovative unit will travel to healthcare deserts, including Van Domelen Foundation is critical to our mission, the health of
Everglades City and Chokoloskee, as well as neighborhoods, our patients, and the overall community. We are extremely grateful
schools, and community events. for this generous gift and know this new mobile unit will make a
“Although Collier County is a wealthy community, there are big difference in eliminating significant health disparities.”
pockets where people face difficulties accessing care,” said Julia Van About the Author
Domelen, director of the Bill and Julia Van Domelen Foundation. Gabrielle O’Boyle, APR, serves as the Senior Director of
“Healthy families are the key to a thriving community, and we are Marketing and Communications at Healthcare Network, where
excited to be supporting Healthcare Network in providing patients she spearheads initiatives to advance the organization’s mission of
quality care regardless of where they live.” delivering accessible, patient-centered care to the Collier County
The Van Domelen Health Express delivers comprehensive community.
medical and dental services similar to those offered in Healthcare For more information about Healthcare Network’s pharmacy
Network clinics. Featuring a wheelchair lift, restroom facilities, and services, visit HealthcareSWFL.org
three spacious exam rooms, the unit is designed to meet routine
healthcare needs while also serving as a vital resource during
disasters. Operated by Healthcare Network’s Medical and Dental
Operations teams, it ensures patients receive integrated services

239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

4848 www.LifeInNaples.net