Clark County mobile health clinic exceeds expectations, treats almost 100 people in less than a month

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The mobile health clinic rolled out in Clark County by the Ohio Department of Health has exceeded county officials’ expectations, with nearly 100 people seeking treatment from it.

According to a recent update from ODH on the state’s response to issues in the county, 98 patients have been seen since the mobile clinic’s introduction Sept. 19.

“The Ohio Department of Health’s work is just one example of Gov. [Mike] DeWine’s pledge to support the health of everyone in Springfield and Clark County,” said ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. “We recognize that much work remains to be done, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that Ohioans in this community have access to the healthcare services they need.”

In early September, DeWine pledged a minimum $2.5 million over the next two years to assist Clark County, particularly Springfield, in dealing with health care challenges prompted by the influx of migrants the past several years.

The mobile clinic’s efforts to provide COVID, flu and RSV vaccinations were boosted by the arrival of four additional nurses provided by ODH in August for back-to-school preparation.

County residents can schedule an appointment at the clinic at mobile.clark.health.

Clark County WIC participants seeing improved registration, certification

Participants in the WIC (Women with Infant Children) program also have likely seen improved efficiency in getting registered or recertified, as four ODH staff members are helping local officials.

ODH said that 229 participants have either been registered or recertified over the past week. It anticipates clearing the county’s backlog by Oct. 20, aided by a community WIC registration event set for later this month.

As a preemptive step, ODH is teaming with Mercy Health and Clark County Combined Health District to register new parents prior to leaving the hospital after birth.

Other treatment updates

• ODH is working with the American Lung Association of Ohio and CCCHD to fund and provide access to housing and services for people being treated for tuberculosis.
• The dangers of lead have been known for decades, but the problem persists. ODH and CCCHD are looking to find more lead abatement contractors to handle removal of the material. The state is also looking to improve its ability to screen for lead-induced illness/conditions.
• ODH, along with CCCHD, the Rocking Horse Community Health Center, Prevent Blindness Ohio, and Vision Service Plan, will hold an event later in October to detect problems children may have with their vision, and help address the issue with diagnosis and glasses.

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