EAST TENNESSEE (September 2021) – Cherokee Healthcare has put healthcare on the road with its innovative traveling Mobile Health unit.
The Cherokee mobile clinic delivers quality care to those with limited access, lack of public transportation, physical limitations, homeless, and business and residential locations.
The Cherokee mobile clinic offers wound care, COVID-19 vaccines, lab work, and refills for common antibiotic prescriptions. It is equipped with two exam rooms and can support both a behavioral health consultant and a primary care provider.
Jonathan Johnson is Cherokee’s Community Education Specialist/PrEP Navigator. He visits communities to learn their needs and evaluates the effectiveness of the mobile clinic.
“For some patients, especially those experiencing homelessness, the mobile clinic is the only way they get their medical needs met, if at all. For those without resources, calling a clinic, finding transportation to and from appointments, and picking up meds comes with obstacles. The mobile clinic is an easy way for Cherokee to get these patients’ needs met and to engage with our community partners,” said Johnson.
Since its debut this year, the mobile clinic has delivered COVID-19 vaccines, primary care visits, and counseling services to many limited by transportation. The mobile clinic is based in the Knoxville area and has partnered with the Volunteer Ministry Center to serve the Knox-area homeless population. Planning to expand coverage areas of the mobile clinic is under consideration. Events have also been in Hamblen County.
You can find upcoming CHS mobile clinic events here www.cherokeehealth.com.
ABOUT: Since 1960, Cherokee Health Systems has been committed to ensuring Tennesseans access to adequate, quality care. CHS is a Federally Qualified Health Center that serves 75,000 people annually. We offer a wide array of comprehensive health services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy. All of our services are available to children, adults, and seniors on an ability to pay basis. CHS is a TennCare (Medicaid) and Medicare provider. In addition, CHS accepts commercial insurance for payment.