Thanks to a generous donation from the Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Foundation, TRMC is now offering the Southwell Mobile Health Clinic, which includes three exam rooms, a lab area, and a restroom.

Cameron Nixon, MD, Chief Transformation Officer of TRMC, said the services of the new mobile health clinic include sick and well visits, screenings, education, and referrals to specialty care for patients 18 and over. “Due to socioeconomic and transportation issues, many families in our service area don’t have adequate access to healthcare,” said Dr. Nixon. “With this new mobile health clinic, we are able to bring the medical services to them. It really helps Tift Regional fulfill its mission to enhance the health and wellness of our community.”

The wheelchair accessible unit is staffed by the providers with Tift Community Health Center (TCHC), TRMC’s community care clinic based in Tifton. Jill Bergeron, TCHC Practice Manager, said the mobile health clinic is stationed at different locations four days a week in areas which are identified as medically under-served.

“Through social media, flyers, and other communications, we notify the various neighborhoods where the unit will be located and the hours of operation,” she said. “We also work with local resources, such as churches, to help us spread the word. Walk-in patients are accepted.”

“Many illnesses disproportionately affect certain populations due to disparities in access and social determinants of health,” said Dr. Nixon. “We have to develop innovative interventions that sustainably manage chronic diseases, promote preventative health, and improve outcomes among communities disenfranchised from traditional healthcare.”

Dr. Nixon said by opening the door directly into communities and leveraging existing community assets, the mobile health clinic can offer tailored, high-impact, and affordable healthcare that responds dynamically to the community’s evolving needs.