Health on Wheels

San Diego has mobile food trucks, mobile libraries, and now, mobile medical care at substance abuse treatment facilities! Primary healthcare now comes to the clients who receive treatment for substance abuse at Mental Health System's Harmony West and Central East Regional Recovery Centers. Once a month, the "Kids Express" Mobile Medical Unit from Family Health Centers of San Diego comes to the program sites to provide assessments and care. 

Although called the “Kids Express,” the mobile unit’s services aren’t limited to children. They offer high-quality primary care services to both clients and their family members. In addition to basic check-ups and physicals, the Mobile Medical Unit’s team provides treatment for colds and flus, dental exams and referrals, screens for TB, HIV, STDs, and Hepatitis.

The Mobile Medical Unit makes it easier for people throughout the county to access care. And, thanks to the generous contributions of the donors to Mental Health System's Be The Hope fundraising campaign, services are provided free of charge. 

Best of all, the mobile medical unit is making a real difference in peoples’ lives. One example is the case of a young woman who was diagnosed with epilepsy, but had no medical insurance and was therefore unable to receive regular, consistent treatment. She only received care after suffering public seizures and an ambulance ride to the nearest medical facility. But after treatment from the “Kids Express,” including a necessary prescription and follow-up services, she was referred to a clinic, and is now hopeful that she will be able to get her seizures under control.