Bayhealth debuts mobile care unit at Delaware State Fair
Bayhealth celebrated the grand opening of its mobile care unit, Health on the Move, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a day of health screenings at the Delaware State Fair.
Made possible by generous grants from Longwood Foundation and Welfare Foundation, this innovative healthcare solution aims to address the needs of underserved and hard-to-reach communities throughout the state.
The mobile care unit, designed and built from the ground up, is equipped with a private examination room, bathroom and two hearing screening booths. This fully functional medical facility will offer a range of health screenings, vaccinations and educational resources to the communities it serves. The unit’s exterior also features an extendable awning, providing much-needed shade during outdoor events and activities.
"Bayhealth’s mission is to strengthen the health of our community one life at a time, and sometimes caring for the health of our community goes beyond the walls of our outpatient centers and hospitals,” said Rosi Wurster, DNP, RN, MPH, NEA-BC, CEN, Bayhealth chief nurse executive. “We know that preventative care is imperative; things like blood pressure checks, cancer screenings, vaccinations and more keep our communities healthy and out of the hospital.”
Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, RN, PhD, both stopped by for the ribbon-cutting event at the fair.
“Good healthcare is a basic necessity, but today far too many barriers get in the way, from long drives to appointments to lack of providers. Bayhealth’s Mobile Care Unit meets people where they are – literally – to provide information, screening and resources to empower folks to make decisions about their physical and emotional health. This is the type of innovative healthcare service our state needs,” said Hall-Long. “I was thrilled to see this new mobile health hub on the move at the Delaware State Fair, and I look forward to seeing the impact in Delaware’s southern and rural communities.”
Bayhealth's investment in this cutting-edge unit demonstrates its dedication to serving the communities where its employees live and work. The mobile care unit will primarily focus on providing healthcare services to residents of Sussex and Kent counties, ensuring that quality care is accessible to all.
“We have a group of 39 highly motivated physician residents who are ready and eager to provide care for the community, especially for those who have had difficulty accessing care,” said Alyssa Pallatta, DO, Bayhealth internal medicine resident. Pallatta took this event as an opportunity to engage directly with community members, even encouraging one to seek needed primary care by scheduling an appointment with her as soon as possible.
The mobile care unit will also enable Bayhealth to offer on-site occupational health services, including hearing tests, physical exams, laboratory work and echocardiograms. These services play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and organizations, ensuring their employees remain healthy.
"Bayhealth Mobile Care is fully outfitted specifically with the tools and equipment needed to address the growing health needs of our friends and neighbors,” said Lindsay Rhodenbaugh, DMin, Bayhealth Foundation president. “While we’ve for many years offered these services, the mobile care unit helps us reach more people right where they are."
Bayhealth's Mobile Care Unit represents a significant step forward in expanding access to healthcare services for vulnerable populations. By bringing healthcare directly to the communities that need it most, Bayhealth is breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
For updates on where Bayhealth Mobile Care will serve the community, follow Bayhealth on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
