ELLENVILLE, N.Y. – Ellenville Regional Hospital unveiled its new mobile RV clinic on Friday morning to expand healthcare access across Sullivan and Ulster counties.
Local and state officials, healthcare leaders, and health advocates cut a ceremonious white ribbon to unveil the H.E.A.L. mobile van outside the entrance of Ellenville Regional Hospital. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Town of Wawarsing Supervisor Joe Stoeckler, and Max Dydynski representing Congressman Josh Riley’s Office also offered remarks.
Steven Kelley, CEO & President of Ellenville Regional Hospital, says the hospital’s population health program is built on four pillars: diet, exercise, risk reduction, and social determinants of health. The mobile van helps bring these preventative measures on the road to communities across the region.
“Our belief is that if we can have people become healthier by being connected to their own health, we will be able to have an impact in improving the health of our entire population,” said Kelley.
The initiative is funded through a $375,000 grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation.
The interior of the healthcare van looks a lot like a custom-fitted tiny home: there’s a small kitchenette, restroom, and a television and mirror. But this one has medical supplies, including a blood pressure monitor, nicotine patches, and personal toiletry bags.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger is thrilled to see the project come to fruition, especially its ability to bring preventative care to communities with limited transit options.
“A real challenge in rural communities is transportation [and] getting these resources to people. Ellenville [has] about 18% of the population that lacks personal transportation, and I’m sure there’s a correlation there with health outcomes,” said Metzger. “This is how healthcare should be done.”
Matthew Stupple, Medical Director of Ellenville Regional Hospital, says small, inexpensive screening measures can make a big difference for many patients.
“The amount of money we spend in this country on people who haven’t had preventative care and then have an emergency is staggering compared with the amount of money you could spend on preventative care,” said Stupple.
Stupple says residents can expect to see the H.E.A.L. van at libraries, homeless shelters, local festivals, and workplaces of underserved communities. While there aren’t any unscheduled visits planned in the near future, he encouraged residents to reach out to the hospital with ideas.
The mobile van will kick off services starting Monday, June 8.
Image: Hospital leaders, local and state officials, and healthcare providers gathered at Ellenville Regional Hospital to celebrate the H.E.A.L. Mobile RV on June 5 (Photo Credit: Rebekah Hendricks)