Owensboro Health Unveils New Mobile Clinic to Reach Underserved Areas

In an ambitious move to expand access to healthcare across rural regions, Owensboro Health has rolled out a new mobile clinic initiative designed to eventually serve its 18-county service area. This partnership aims to bring crucial health services closer to underserved and marginalized communities, emphasizing health equity and continuous care.

The mobile unit will operate consistently and in fixed locations as a walk-in care clinic to establish familiarity among residents and encourage them to use the services offered.

“We are looking forward to seeing the clinic reach into corners of our region where traditional healthcare services might be out of reach,” said Dr. James Tidwell, Vice President of Population Health at Owensboro Health, underscoring the project's commitment to making healthcare accessible to all, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status.

The versatile 200-square-foot unit was designed and fabricated by Brewco Marketing Group in Central City. The self-sufficient trailer contains two patient screening rooms, a registration room and a staff area, all with a negative air pressure system for clean air quality.

Healthcare providers will be assigned to specific locations to ensure that patients are treated routinely by the same professionals, facilitating continuity of care and building community trust.  Mack McKeown, practice administrator of the Owensboro Health Family Medicine Residency Clinic, expressed his enthusiasm about partnering with the Owensboro Health Mobile Clinic. “This collaboration provides an opportunity for the residency program to extend its physician services to those in need while fulfilling its community outreach obligations.”

The mobile unit was the brainchild of Troy Walker, Director of EMS at Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital, and Cathy Bethel, Director of Muhlenberg County Health Department, the unit was obtained in 2022 for community use through a public health grant for $150,000. Originally used to administer vaccinations and serve patients at events in Muhlenberg County, the mobile clinic’s scope has broadened for use by the health system.

Walker shared that this mobile clinic represents a beacon of hope for our communities. “The initiative reflects a successful collaboration and a shared commitment to improving health outcomes across the region,” he said.

Services will be billed to insurance and usual copays apply. Patients without insurance will be responsible for paying for services and/or may apply for financial assistance.

A versatile and essential healthcare resource, its deployment at public events and health fairs further emphasizes its role in treating, educating and engaging with the community on a broader scale.

The launch of the Owensboro Health Mobile Clinic marks a significant milestone in addressing health disparities and enhancing the quality of life for rural populations in the region. It promises a healthier future for Kentucky's underserved communities.

Learn more and see the schedule at OwensboroHealth.org/MobileClinic.