St. Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital - Care-A-Van Outreach Program

What is it?

With a focus on health prevention, this 42-foot mobile screening bus travels throughout Central Mississippi conducting both screenings and education programs for school-age children and the elderly, considered the most vulnerable groups in the area. The Care-A-Van targets city, county, and parochial schools and area Boys and Girls Clubs. Health screenings provided for school-age children include blood pressure, heart rate, dental, hearing, vision, scoliosis, height, and weight assessments.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose and vision screenings are routinely provided at nine senior adult community centers each month along with educational programs. The Care-A-Van also serves as a first aid station at the Mississippi Senior Olympics, Kidney Walk, faith-based community health fairs and other community events. When potential health problems are found, the appropriate referrals are made so patients can receive proper treatment.

Care-A-Van is supported by St. Dominic Health Services and its community partner, Trustmark National Bank, whose participation is a vital part of Care-A-Van’s sustainability.

Who is it for?

Children and the elderly living near or below poverty level who do not have ready access to preventative health care resources.

Why do they do it?

Recognizing that prevention is the key to improving the overall health status of the Metro Jackson community, the Care-A-Van targets segments of the community where there is an identified need for health screenings to identify potential health problems before they become more serious.

Impact

Annually, the Care-A-Van program records more than 12,000 direct contacts with children and senior adults at risk for health problems.

Contact: Kelli Stabbs
Marketing Specialist
Telephone: 601-200-6987
E-mail: kstabbs@stdom.com