New Mobile Health Services Van Will Enhance Services to Community

“We hope to have the new van in 10 months,” said Frances Fuller, RN, Director of Oncology & Specialty Services. “It takes approximately that amount of time to order the van and have it outfitted to our specifications.”

The new van’s design will allow Southcoast to continue providing health screenings while increasing blood donations. With a price tag of about $200,000, it is projected to save Southcoast from $85,000 to $112,000 annually by reducing the need to purchase blood.

Southcoast is working to raise funds to purchase the van through special events and support from the community.

The first event, Southcoast Temptations, took place on Thursday, August 12, at Howland Place, New Bedford. Formerly called Sweet Temptations or Wine & Chocolate, the event provided an evening of tasting foods from area restaurants, wines from around the world and chocolates.

“The wine and chocolate event has always brought the community together — from the generous business owners who participate to the neighbors who attend,” said Michelle Carr, cochair of Southcoast Temptations. “It seemed natural that Southcoast Temptations would benefit the van, which is also so integral to the community.”

Southcoast’s Mobile Health Services program coordinates with community agencies, such as school departments, councils on aging, health centers and the housing authority to reach the people who need these services the most — seniors, teens and families who do not have access to medical care. The current mobile health van has been in service for 12 years.

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