Healthvan Takes Healing Ministry on the Road
When Adventist Medical Center’s (AMC) Healthvan pulls up to O’Bryant Square in Portland, Ore., a crowd has already formed, waiting eagerly for the nearly 40-foot-long clinic on wheels to set up shop. Once a month, the hospital’s Healthvan provides basic medical care to the area’s homeless population via a team of volunteer physicians and other health-care professionals.
According to Ed Hoover, AMC wellness services manager, the Healthvan provides services to approximately 800 homeless individuals a year. Not only are they able to see a doctor, they receive toothbrushes, combs, shampoo and other personal hygiene items. In addition, hospital employees donate clothes that are doled out with flu-shots during the cold winter months.
“This is just one of the many wonderful services we provide via our community Healthvan program,” said Hoover. “It is a great opportunity to take our mission to the streets and meet people where they are.”
Educating the Community
AMC’s Healthvan partners with many community organizations to bring health education and services to people from all walks of life. Whether it is a homeless individual or a group of corporate employees, the goal is still the same: to improve quality of life through healthy living.
On any given day, the Healthvan can be found providing health education and free or low-cost health screenings at community events, senior centers, community service centers, low income housing developments, corporate offices, churches, schools and migrant farm camps. In 2004 alone, the clinic on wheels provided screenings to 2,249 people at more than 38 sites around the greater Portland area.
Tests and screenings vary by location but can include: blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, osteoporosis and stroke screenings, flu shots and computerized health profiles. All test and screening results are supported by educational material and one-on-one counseling.
“Our goal is to give people simple information that will help them understand how they can improve their health,” said Hoover.
Taking Health Care to Churches and Schools
Hoover and his team also visit area schools with interactive events aimed at teaching children the importance of healthy living. They set up demonstrations of the digestive tract and give age-appropriate lectures with supporting materials on the importance of good nutrition, daily exercise and adequate rest.
Area churches also partner with the Healthvan for various events. For instance, the mobile clinic is a popular attraction at the Oregon Conference camp meeting where it serves as a first aid station and administers a variety of low-cost screenings to attendees.
According to Hoover, the purpose of the Healthvan can be summed up in what he calls the “Three Es.” Engage people where they live, work, play and worship. Equip them with information about themselves and how to care for their health. And encourage them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
For more information about AMC’s Healthvan program, please contact wellness services at 503-261-6611.
AMCs Healthvan provides health education and free or low-cost health screenings at various locations throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
Ed Hoover, AMC wellness services manager, consults with a patient inside the Healthvan.
