Arrowhead Medical Center

(Best Syndication News) SAN BERNARDINO CA - On Tuesday the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors accepted the donation of a mobile medical clinic from the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Foundation. The mobile clinic will be used by the County-operated Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) to improve the health of residents throughout the County by providing health screenings and other services.

"County residents face multiple barriers to accessing healthcare services, including homelessness, lack of insurance, poverty, transportation and unemployment," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt. "This new mobile medical clinic will provide new access to primary, preventative and health education services to needy residents throughout the County - especially those in outlying areas."

The mobile clinic, valued at $364,000, will enable ARMC medical personnel to reach residents who cannot travel to ARMC, which is located in Colton. The County will target services toward the elderly, homeless, public housing residents, low-income school children and their families.

"The goal of this program is to take healthcare to those who can't access care at other facilities - especially residents in areas like the High Desert," said ARMC Medical Director Dr. Dev Gnanadev.

Through the use of the mobile clinic, ARMC expects to provide primary, preventative and health education services to approximately 8,640 patients each year. The clinic is scheduled to provide services throughout the County, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, approximately six hours each day. The clinic will serve as an extension of ARMC similar to its three Family Health Centers.

The clinic will be staffed by several healthcare professionals, including a Medical Director, Nurse Practitioner, Health Education Specialist/Registered Dietitian, Licensed Vocational Nurse, Eligibility Worker/Clinic Assistant, and a Security Technician/Driver.

The services provided on the mobile clinic will be provided at no cost to the public. However, reimbursement from third party payees will help to fund the ongoing cost to operate the mobile medical clinic. ARMC is also seeking private sponsorship for the clinic. The goal is to provide primary, preventative and health education services to the medically under insured and uninsured populations living throughout the County regardless of their ability to pay.

By David Zook