DIBOLL, Texas (KTRE) – Driving to a health clinic can be a challenge for many living in rural parts of East Texas. To help, a new mobile health services program is trying to bring health care to people.
“For any family on the right day at the right time, it can mean the world right,” Jason Arnold, the city manager for Diboll said.
East Texas Community Health Services is rolling out a mobile health services program with their mobile health unit. CEO Anita Humphreys said they’ve had the truck for six years and typically use it for big events, like COVID-19 testing.
“For the most part we’ve just done events and now we have the chance to give it more of a circuit,” Humphreys said.
Now, the unit’s purpose is to bring healthcare to cities that don’t have it. The City of Diboll is first on the list.
“People either leave towns or don’t go at all. They have to weigh that balance do we have time; ‘can I take off work, can I take a kid out of school, do I have a ride?’” Arnold said.
They are trying to eliminate barriers, especially distance with the new program. She said their Lufkin location sees people from all over Angelina County.
“It’s hard to load up three sick kids and drive somewhere for 30 minutes, or even an hour from Zavalla,” Humphreys said.
The unit has an intake area, an exam room with equipment for primary care, including blood pressure checks, common illnesses, and testing for strep and COVID.
“One of the things community health centers are known for are responding to the communities they serve,” Humphreys said.
The mobile health services program is a pilot program for now, Humphreys said they will be in a trial phase for about six months. If it does well, she plans to expand into other cities in Nacogdoches and Angelina Counties and neighboring counties with the possibility of placing a permanent location in Diboll.
“So, anything on a permanent basis would have a big impact, a huge impact, for us and the city would certainly support it,” Arnold said.
The mobile clinic is located at 113 N Hendrick Ave. in Diboll. They will set up every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointments can be set up by calling (936) 560-5413. Walk-ins are also accepted. Insurance is not needed.
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