Mobile health clinic may be coming to county

An effort to provide a mobile health clinic for county residents was outlined by Hancock County Health Commissioner Karim Baroudi during a meeting with the county commissioners on Tuesday. Findlay Rotary Club is spearheading the fundraising for a collaborative effort to provide health care access throughout the county. The motor home, similar to a bookmobile, would be used initially as a site for county residents to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Baroudi said. Once the pandemic subsides, the mobile health clinic will provide "accessible health care services for vulnerable populations by reducing traditional barriers to access, (such as) transportation, time constraints, distrust of (the) health care system," according to information prepared by the Rotary Club and city and county officials. The 38-foot vehicle would have two exam rooms, a restroom and intake/consultation area, and be a self-sufficient operation, according to the information. It would provide many of the same services available from the public health office, Baroudi said, at locations within the surrounding villages. Health services such as preventive screenings, blood pressure monitoring, wellness assessments, mental health screenings and more could also be offered at the county fair, community festivals and schools, he said. The vehicle, similar to the one operated by students at Ohio Northern University, would have a nurse practitioner and a public health nurse on board. University of Findlay students would handle intake/registration duties, while physician assistant and pharmacy students would handle medical history review. Other benefits listed include increased referrals to doctors for follow-up services and reduced nonemergency visits to the hospital's emergency room, Baroudi said. The commissioners asked Baroudi to see if Ohio Northern University personnel would bring their vehicle to Findlay for review by the board. The vehicle and equipment would cost about $155,000, with about $80,000 needed to purchase the recreational-type mobile vehicle. Operational expenses for 35 hours of operation weekly are more than $257,000. Baroudi said Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn is expected to discuss the project with city council next week and request council's approval of $150,000 for the proposal. This may be made through a one-time payment from CARES Act money. Maurer: 419-427-8420 jimmaurer@thecourier.com