DETROIT (WXYZ) — It was an exciting day for the city of Detroit on Tuesday as the Wayne Women’s Mobile Health Unit launched.
The recreational vehicle unit will be set up at Pastor Clough Walker’s Faith Redemption Centre Church of God in Christ every Tuesday from now on, where free medical services will be provided.
Lynn Bell was one of the first patients when the clinic opened on Tuesday.
She said the lack of access to women’s health services in Detroit is “harmful. Some people are afraid to go to the doctor.”
RV mobile medical units are essentially clinics on wheels.
Services provided include women’s preventive health screenings, pre-pregnancy checkups, prenatal care services, contraception services, and more.
“We don’t have to feel left out, we don’t have to feel like we’re falling through the cracks of society. Even if we can’t come to worship services, we can come to a community like this,” Bell said of the concept.
Dr. Amy Wright is medical director of the Women’s Mobile Medical Unit.
When asked why she decided to create a unit focused solely on women, she said, “There is a major crisis happening around the world, and especially in the United States, in maternal health and newborn health. We can help women have healthy pregnancies, which ultimately helps babies, helps society and helps communities.”
Wright said her team also works to connect patients to services beyond physical care, such as helping them access food banks, specialized medical care and mental health resources if needed.
“It’s about access,” Wright says. “The biggest issue is why women don’t get prenatal care because they can’t get a doctor nearby. Not having access to care really puts you at higher risk for complications.”
Wright said the goal is to eventually have the RV units available five days a week in five of Detroit’s medical desert areas.
“We’re going to get care to patients,” Wright said.
Come in or make a reservation in advance. Open Tuesdays from 9am to 3pm.
Use this option if you have any questions or need help.
“If you know about this, don’t be shy about coming. Please come,” Bell said. “Come for yourself, and then you can come for your family.”
