GRAND RAPIDS, MI \u2014 Twice a week, a two-person Catherine\u2019s Health Center team fires up a conversion van outfitted with an exam table, sink and medical supplies, and head out to provide on-the-spot care to Grand Rapids\u2019 homeless population.<\/p>\n
Their rounds take them to shelters, the library, the Grand Rapids Pride Center and other places unhoused people gather. Once parked, the St. Catherine\u2019s physician and medical assistant open the doors, providing a lifeline for residents who need non-emergency healthcare but aren\u2019t comfortable walking into a clinic.<\/p>\n
\u201cHealthcare is complicated,\u201d said Mark Contreras, the chief medical officer at Catherine\u2019s Health Center, which cares for underserved populations in Kent County. \u201cOur patients don\u2019t have to think about a scheduled appointment\u201d or \u201chow they are going to get there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since launching in July, the mobile health unit has treated about 10 patients per day during its twice a week schedule, Contreras said. Care is provided to patients with high blood pressure, wounds, chronic lung disease, substance abuse, mental health disorders and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about to be winter season, so frostbite and trench foot are going to increase,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The mobile unit was funded through a $500,000 federal grant, as well as assistance from the city of Grand Rapids and private donations.<\/p>\n
In addition to an exam table and sink, the van has wound care supplies, testing equipment, and a refrigerator and freezer to transport vaccines and medications, said Ally Stephens, development director at Catherine\u2019s Health Center.<\/p>\n
Catherine\u2019s is a federally qualified health center, and it receives funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration and reimbursements from government and private insurance programs. Qualified health centers serve patients regardless of their ability to pay, and charge patients on a sliding scale based on income.<\/p>\n
The van complements other services Catherine\u2019s Health Center offers to the homeless population.<\/p>\n