TROY, N.Y., Aug. 13, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of National Health Centers Week, federal, state, and county officials today joined local health care and school leaders to unveil a new, state-of-the-art mobile health unit to begin operating this fall.
Thanks to a $170,000 grant made possible by the Affordable Care Act, as well as more than $100,000 in private funding, Whitney Young Health has purchased a self-contained medical office on wheels, which will provide primary care services throughout the Capital Region.
Among its first priorities, Whitney Young Health is collaborating with the Lansingburgh Central School District to bring health care services to its 2,200 students, their families, school staff, and community residents. The mobile unit, staffed by a physician assistant and medical assistant, will rotate through the school district's three campuses on a regular basis.
"We are incredibly excited to be able to bring this new service to our schools," said Cynthia DeDominick, superintendent of the Lansingburgh Central School District. "Our district serves a large number of low-income households that are increasingly ethnically diverse. Many of our families struggle with transportation and childcare for doctors' visits, so Whitney Young Health's mobile unit will be a great benefit for them. By addressing their health needs, our students will be better prepared to focus and concentrate on learning in school."
The mobile unit is being supported by philanthropic support, including CDPHP, Price Chopper's Golub Foundation, the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, the Picotte Foundation, and the Review Foundation.
CDPHP and Whitney Young Health are partnering on a program that will bring mobile health services to underserved neighborhoods, including community centers, free meal sites, and faith based organizations, making primary care services more accessible to residents all over the region.
"Too often, families, children and individuals miss out on critical primary care services because of socio-economic barriers," said CDPHP president and CEO, Dr. John Bennett. "This program will allow our members to access the care they need at a time and place that's convenient for them. We are thrilled to be partnering with Whitney Young Health on this innovative initiative and we look forward to our continued partnership," added Bennett.
Lansingburgh students will receive enrollment information at the start of school. Others interested in scheduling an appointment can call Whitney Young Health at 518-833-6900.
About Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center, Inc.
Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center, Inc. is a community based, 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation which provides affordable, accessible primary and preventative medical, dental and addiction services to the uninsured and medically underserved people of the Capital Region. Whitney Young Health currently operates seven health facilities, including 3 school-based health centers in Albany City elementary schools. Whitney Young Health's mission is to provide Capital Region residents with access to consistent quality health care without regard to income. Whitney Young Health serves more than 20,000 people annually. For more information, please visit us on the web at www.wmyhealth.org .
Maureen Yee Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Center, Inc. 518-591-4471
