WKU News & Events

November 09, 2001

WKU Mobile Unit Taking Health
Care Service To Rural Areas

Bowling Green, Ky. - Western Kentucky University is "Building Bridges for a Healthier Community" and expanding health services to rural areas with a Mobile Health and Wellness Unit.

The unit, made possible through a $670,000 federal grant secured by U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, will remove the barriers of health care accessibility, availability and affordability faced by many rural Kentuckians. According to the 2000 Census and other reports, 16.3 percent of Kentucky's rural residents have no health insurance and 85 of the state's 120 counties are classified as medically underserved areas.

The Mobile Health and Wellness Unit, which initially will serve the 10-county Barren River Area Development District, was unveiled today in downtown Morgantown. The unit has upcoming visits scheduled for Edmonson, Allen and Warren counties.

"We are excited about the opportunities this Mobile Health and Wellness Unit brings to the programs in the School of Health and Human Services and other health-related programs at Western," said Dr. David Dunn, director of the School of Health and Human Services.

The unit will provide medical and dental screenings for rural residents, will enhance the accessibility of preventive health services and health education programs in rural areas and will provide training for Western students.

"Our students and faculty will become engaged in community based learning experiences while providing much needed preventative services and other health promotion activities to the most needy," Dr. Dunn said. "Our students' educational experience will be greatly enhanced and those being served will certainly benefit as well."

The Mobile Health and Wellness Unit, which cost $267,000, is part of a rural health initiative by Western's Institute for Rural Health Development and Research. The institute is part of the Applied Research and Technology Program in the Ogden College of Science and Engineering.

"I am proud to have worked with Western Kentucky University to make this project a reality," Sen. McConnell said. "The mobile health clinic will provide vital preventative health care services to the families of rural Kentucky. I applaud WKU for its continued commitment to improving the lives of Kentuckians."

The handicapped-accessible unit has two examination rooms with X-ray and laboratory functions and a waiting area. Other amenities include heating and air conditioning, a television/VCR, a stereo/CD system, microwave, refrigerator, portable toilet, telephone and data hookups and a retractable awning.

Medical and dental screenings will be offered as well as immunizations, physicals and health promotion/education activities, including tobacco use, alcohol and drug use, weight control, healthy lifestyle choices and others.

"Many rural Kentuckians have no health insurance or live in underserved communities creating regions where families are in perpetual health decline," said Staci Simpson, director of the Institute for Rural Health Development and Research. "It is our ultimate goal to enhance accessibility to health screenings and education for those who have traditionally not been able to receive these services. We will create a bridge for families to receive further services through collaboration with other health care organizations and agencies."

Initially, the mobile unit will make two eight-hour outings each week during academic periods (fall, spring and summer sessions) and will serve at least two clients per hour.

"We are looking forward to partnering with other agencies and groups as we seek to utilize the unit to its fullest," Dr. Dunn said. "Thanks to Senator Mitch McConnell for his efforts in obtaining funding for this unit."

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