H.E.A.L. Mobile Clinic Travels to Meriweather County to Treat Patients
Morehouse School of Medicine medical students and practicing physicians took their clinic on the road.
MSM’s H.E.A.L. (Health Equity for All Lives) Clinic visited patients in Meriweather County on Saturday, March 30. The H.E.A.L. on Wheels Mobile Health Fair stopped at the Ingles on Millarden Rd. in Woodbury. Funding for the event was secured from Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation. Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and Meriwether County Family Connection also took part in the health fair.
This was the Clinic’s second visit to Meriweather County. Their first trip was in September 2018. The county was selected as a stop after assessments showed that it was a medically underserved area with high rates of chronic illnesses, according to Christopher Ervin, M.D., program manager for community engagement at MSM.
“We returned both because of the initial warm reception and the behest of the community and Mayor Dr. Steve Ledbetter to establish a relationship with Woodbury and Meriweather County,” said Dr. Ervin. The Clinic plans to return to the area on June 8th for the Peaches in the Pine Festival.
“To remain true to MSM’s mission means the institution has to move beyond its immediate surroundings and go to where primary care services are needed,” Dr. Ervin explained. “The Clinic serves several purposes. To provide healthcare to communities right outside of our ‘doorsteps,’ introduce our medical students to a population that they may not otherwise encounter, and to demonstrate to all that MSM H.E.A.L. Clinic is to serve Georgia, not just Atlanta.”
Medical students and doctors performed basic health screenings, including blood glucose and blood pressure readings. Those without health insurance were able to get free physicals on the scene. Georgia DPH offered screenings for HIV and Hepatitis B. Attendees also received health education materials from Meriwether County Family Connection.
