Mobile unit provides medical care

Three agencies join to serve residents
Thursday, October 19, 2006
By Anita Hymel
Contributing Writer

The St. Charles Community Health Center is now working with two other health care agencies to bring primary care professionals and medical services to people in need.

When the center's temporary mobile health unit had to be returned recently to its donor organization, officials combined efforts with Cardinal Health Foundation and Medical Assistant Programs International to secure a new medical van, which will travel to various locations in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Charles parishes to assist people.

A year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, the need to bring medical care to people still exists, said Mark Keiser, the center's executive director.

The new unit, which began serving the community last month, will continue to provide services at a nominal fee or for free as well as access to some prescription medications at a reduced cost.

Keiser said the van has been a great addition to the services already being provided to hurricane victims.

"St. Charles Community Health Center has seen its role as a health care leader and provider in the region expand as one of the few fully operational medical facilities in southeast Louisiana providing care to the underinsured and underserved residents of the region," Keiser said.

The original unit was donated on a temporary basis and was returned to the donor organization earlier this year. The unit served about 100 people a day free of charge in the months after Katrina, Keiser said.

Keiser said he is excited about working with Cardinal and MAP.

Cardinal Health services manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and medical products as well as health care facilities.

MAP International operates clinics as well as health care and other programs in countries on four continents. It also annually distributes more than $300 million in medicine and other medical emergency relief supplies to more than 25 million people.

"We are thrilled we can continue to bring needed medical care to those in need," Keiser said.

The center provides staff and all other necessities to keep the van operating.

The St. Charles Community Health Center's main campus is at 843 Milling Ave. in Luling. The telephone number is (985) 785-5800.

Hours are Mondays through Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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