GREEN BAY, Wis. — A new mobile clinic is deploying to northeastern Wisconsin to ensure people are getting medical services they need most.
The NorthEast Wisconsin (N.E.W.) Community Clinic’s Mobile Unit will provide dental and medical services to northeastern Wisconsinites who are underinsured and uninsured. The N.E.W. Community Clinic will partner with nonprofit groups to provide these services off-site to those in need.
The mobile unit is an extension of the comprehensive care the clinic provides at its four brick and mortar locations. The mobile unit will provide:
- Dental care
- Urgent care for ear, nose and throat
- Well patient check-ups
- Vaccinations
- Preventive care and screenings for cancer
- Blood work
“The reality is many in the community that need our services don’t have access to reliable transportation or live on or near a bus route, making it difficult for them to get to our facilities for the care they need. Another barrier is that their work schedules create challenges,” said Kim Franzen, CEO of N.E.W. Community Clinic. “We’re excited about this new initiative because now we can offer services beyond our brick-and-mortar buildings and help a broader segment of the community in need.”
The mobile unit — housed on a bus purchased using funds from a federally qualified health center American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant — has two bays. One bay will be used exclusively for dental services. The other bay will be used for both dental and medical care. The mobile unit also has a compact x-ray machine for dental work, fridges and a freezer for vaccines, laboratory space and a lift door for those who need it.
The clinic purchased $75,000 worth of materials with an additional grant from the Brown County’s ARPA program.
“The clinic provides vital services to the members of our community who need it,” said County Executive Troy Streckenbach. “We’re pleased to provide the support necessary to ensure that those that aren’t as fortunate, have access to basic care that will help improve their quality of life. This is a new way for the clinic to step into the community and fill a need for so many individuals and families. We appreciate the dedication of the clinic and the wonderful work they do to improve the lives of so many.”
The bus hasn’t hit the road just yet, though. N.E.W. Community Clinic said it is training current staff for the Mobile Unit. The Mobile Unit will be in service for 20 hours a week, all year long. Staff said they hope to see 700 patients on the unit each year.
The clinic has also started to work with nonprofits to coordinate times to be on their respective sites that would best serve those in need. One of those nonprofits is House of Hope.
“This will be a real positive for our residents,” said House of Hope Executive Director Shannon Wienandt. “Having the convenience of these services right here in our parking lot will make a huge difference for our families.”
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