SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and first lady Fran DeWine unveiled a new mobile health clinic in Springfield on Thursday in an effort to expand health care access for residents.
The mobile clinic began offering services Thursday afternoon. DeWine said Springfield's health care system has been stressed by the influx of migrants over the years, which has caused longer wait times for appointments. After health leaders said they worried it would discourage some residents from seeking care, the mobile health clinic was one of the solutions.
“The mobile clinic will supplement and expand many of the primary health care services that are already available here in Springfield and throughout Clark County,” said DeWine in a news release. “Our mission is clear: we will eliminate the backlogs and reduce the wait times for everyone who needs care.”
DeWine said the mobile unit will target services causing the greatest backlogs, offering vaccinations — such as for the COVID, flu and RSV — and will offer blood pressure screenings.
“It’s imperative that the residents of this community – adults and children alike – receive services that prevent and treat illness and chronic conditions,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff in a news release. “I can’t stress enough the importance of vaccines; our strongest weapons in preventing flu, respiratory illness, COVID-19, and other diseases like measles and whooping cough."
The mobile health clinic will be situated at the Clark County Combined Health District. Local health district staff will help operate the unit, along with support from ODH.
“Before the mobile health clinic arrived in Springfield, the wait time for immunizations at our local health district offices has been two months. With this new resource now in place, we anticipate quickly being able to reduce rates to two weeks, and eventually same-week or even walk-in visits for seasonal vaccines,” said Chris Cook, Clark County health commissioner. “I’d like to see this mobile health clinic inspire people in our community who have not seen a doctor in awhile to reenter the health care system. We want to be a bridge that gets people in the routine of checking in on themselves so they can be healthy for a long time.”
Appointments can be made online or by calling the Clark County Combined Health District at 937-390-5600.
Appointments are currently available on the following schedule:
- Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.