S7 Health Dept. set to launch mobile services

The Southern Seven Health Department will begin a new mobile health service for residents living in the lower seven counties in Illinois.

Through a partnership with Illinois Department of Public Health, Southern Seven has acquired the use of the IDPH Wellness on Wheels van to provide health screenings and other services, including free NARCAN training, to those living in high health-risk areas.

Over the next several months, the WOW van will visit each county in an effort to take health services to people who may find it difficult to seek care. The first events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, March 30, inside the Golconda Golden Circle Senior Center in Pope County, and again from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the community room inside Golconda High School. These first two events are being held prior to the arrival of the WOW van, which is planned for April.

In addition to NARCAN Training, S7HD will offer free blood pressure and colorectal cancer tests. For a fee, blood lead, hemoglobin and cholesterol screenings, STD tests (including chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis), HIV, pregnancy, and TB skin tests will be available. All services will be offered while supplies last and are covered by most insurance carriers.

No appointment will be necessary for services. Walk-ins are welcome.

The IDPH Wellness on Wheels van is a multidisciplinary mobile unit that provides a variety of health services. IDPH partners with health agencies and hospitals to provide staff and services in the Wellness on Wheels van at sites where people can come for medical services.

For more information, and future outreach events for the WOW van program through Southern Seven Health Department, contact Shawnna Rhine at (618) 634-2297 ext. 9161 or visit S7HD on Facebook and at www.southern7.org.