Community Medical Centers will hold a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, August 10 at 1 p.m. to mark the debut of its new Mobile Health Van, which will enhance the ability of the organization’s Care Link unit to deliver medical service to the homeless residents of San Joaquin County.
The Mobile Health Van was funded by a $100,000 grant from Health Net. The new van is fully stocked with medical supplies and equipment, and customized with electrical outlets and a sink, making the task of reaching and serving homeless individuals a much smoother process. Funds from the Health Net grant also will support the expansion of the Care Link program, which deploys CMC staff to parks, bridges and other congregation spots to provide medical services to homeless individuals and families.
“Homeless residents need and deserve high-quality medical care as much as anybody else,” CMC Chief Executive Officer Christine Noguera said. “The new Care Link Van will increase our ability to properly serve homeless residents throughout San Joaquin County. I’m thrilled that we are able to elevate our care of the homeless to the next level.”
San Joaquin County Supervisor Kathy Miller added, “This van will go a long way toward addressing the lack of access to medical care faced by our homeless residents, and this kind of creative and collaborative problem solving is exactly what San Joaquin County needs. Community Medical Centers and Health Net are known for their commitment to meeting the needs of our most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged residents, and San Joaquin County is grateful for its ongoing partnership with both organizations.”
A 2019 census found 1,558 unsheltered homeless residents in San Joaquin County, 921 of them living in Stockton. With the addition of the Mobile Health Van, CMC providers expect to reach more individuals, improve their follow-up visits, and increase referrals to services.
“In spite of the challenges brought on by COVID-19, we remain steadfast in our commitment to improving healthcare access for all. Homelessness is a complex and critical issue, and supporting the CMC Care Link Van is one of many ways we work with our community partners to find impactful solutions that address the statewide homelessness crisis,” said Brian Ternan, President and CEO of Health Net of California and California Health and Wellness. “We are pleased to help Community Medical Centers to provide access to much-needed health care services for the homeless individuals and families in the San Joaquin County.”