South Dakota Department of Health Unveils Wellness on Wheels Mobile Clinics to Improve Healthcare Access to Underserved Communities
For Immediate Release: 04/29/2024
Contact: Tia Kafka - DOHMedia@state.sd.us
South Dakota Department of Health Unveils Wellness on Wheels Mobile Clinics to Improve Healthcare Access to Underserved Communities
PIERRE, S.D. - The Department of Health (DOH) is proud to announce the launch of its Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile clinics to bring critical healthcare services directly to underserved communities across South Dakota. The kickoff event, scheduled for May 1, 2024, will introduce a range of vital services addressing the diverse healthcare needs of South Dakotans, particularly those facing socioeconomical barriers and social determinants of health.
"We recognize the significant barriers to healthcare faced by many communities in South Dakota," said Department of Health Secretary, Melissa Magstadt. "Our mobile clinics represent a proactive approach to bridging these gaps and ensuring everyone has access to services they need to thrive. By bringing healthcare directly to communities, we aim to improve health outcomes and promote wellness across the state."
In rural and frontier areas, a lack of infrastructure and transportation often prevents adequate access to public health services. In response to these barriers, DOH is deploying WOW mobile clinics equipped to reach individuals where they live and work.
The kickoff event will take place at the Missouri Avenue Event Center in Pierre on May 1, 2024, from 4 – 6 p.m. Members of the media, community leaders, and residents are invited to attend and learn more about WOW's efforts to improve healthcare access in South Dakota. View the Facebook livestream: https://www.facebook.com/SDHealthDepartment.
The WOW mobile clinics will provide a variety of essential healthcare services, including:
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services: Providing families with nutrition assessment, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy foods;
- Immunizations: Ensuring children are up to date on vaccines and receiving them at appropriate times;
- Breastfeeding Support: Offering support and necessary supplies to mothers;
- Pregnancy Risk Identification: Identifying and addressing risks during pregnancy;
- Oral Health: Providing fluoride varnish to children starting from the age of 1 to address oral health concerns;
- Postpartum Nursing Care: Offering supplemental care to postpartum women in addition to their healthcare provider;
- Safe Sleep Practices: Providing safe sleep environments and best practices to families with infants;
- Developmental Screenings: Addressing developmental milestones starting from 2 months of age; and,
- STD Testing: Early identification of cases such as syphilis to prevent congenital syphilis.
DOH will leverage partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and social service agencies to identify optimal locations for the WOW mobile clinics. Through collaborative efforts, WOW seeks to enhance referrals, improve coordination of care, and address gaps in services.
For more information about WOW and services available, please visit doh.sd.gov/programs/wow/.
At the heart of the Department of Health’s mission is a simple goal: to protect and improve the health of all South Dakotans. The department is entrusted with the vital task of promoting wellness, preventing disease, and ensuring access to quality healthcare for all South Dakotans.
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