Bringing Healthcare to Your Doorstep

Photos by johnny chauvin

written By: North Oaks Health Systems

Individuals struggle to access healthcare for many reasons, including transportation barriers, lack of insurance and geographic distance from healthcare facilities. North Oaks Health System is overcoming these obstacles with an innovative solution: North Oaks Mobile Care.

A 40-foot vehicle designed to bring healthcare services into the community where people gather, North Oaks Mobile Care was made possible thanks to the North Oaks Foundation and its major donor, First Guaranty Bank. The bank’s $200,000 contribution is the largest gift received to date by North Oaks Foundation and catapulted funds raised by the 501 (c)(3) organization beyond the $1 million mark, according to its director, Staci Arceneaux.

“When presented with the opportunity to assist North Oaks with the ability to give our community an easier, quicker means to primary care, health screenings and other much needed medical services, we jumped at it,” affirms First Guaranty Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Alton Lewis. “We understand that a healthy community thrives when our residents are healthy.”

“We are pleased to partner with the North Oaks Foundation and First Guaranty Bank to expand health care access beyond the brick and mortar of our facilities,” notes North Oaks President and Chief Executive Officer Michele Kidd Sutton, FACHE. “Their gift will help us care for people where they are, out in the community.”

A game-changer for local healthcare, North Oaks Mobile Care functions as a fully equipped clinic-on-wheels staffed by skilled providers and support staff bringing quality medical services to those who need it. The vehicle is specially designed with two exam rooms, a waiting area, restroom, wheelchair lift, blood drawing station and telehealth capabilities to name only a few features.

A wide range of healthcare services can be provided, from primary care and diagnostic services to immunizations, risk assessments and health screenings for cancer, heart health, diabetes/pre-diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol.

When necessary, North Oaks Mobile Care also can be activated for use in conjunction with occupational health partnerships and for emergency response and disaster recovery as needed.

“With North Oaks Mobile Care, we are aiming to drive healthy changes in our community by identifying and targeting specific health needs and bridging the gap between patients and healthcare providers,” asserts North Oaks Population Health Director Jesse Donahue. “Our goal is to build relationships and establish trust within the community.”

The North Oaks Mobile Care team plans to prioritize offering healthcare services to those who may have difficulty accessing healthcare facilities due to resources, distance or mobility issues.

“Many barriers prevent people from getting the healthcare they need. North Oaks Health System is aiming to make healthcare more accessible and attainable regardless of where you live or your circumstances with this new mobile care vehicle,” explains Service Line Vice President Saleta Costanza.

North Oaks Mobile Care made its official community debut at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival in April. In its first months of operation, the North Oaks Mobile Care team also has performed outreach at the Southeastern Louisiana University baseball game versus Louisiana State University, Greater Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church, Grace Quarters Community Celebration and grocery stores in Hammond, Loranger, Robert and Ponchatoula. Screening events with First Guaranty Bank branches, the Second Saturday Breakfast Organization and locations in Livingston Parish are in the works.

To request North Oaks Mobile Care for your organization’s event, call (985) 230-CARE [2273] or complete an online request form at www.northoaks.org/mobilecare.