Health Wagon

Health Care Services

In 1980, Health Wagon embarked on its mission with just a Volkswagen Beetle, traversing the rugged Appalachians to bring medical aid to remote areas. Founded by Sister Bernie Kenny and initially called St. Mary's Health Wagon, this initiative has become a cornerstone of rural healthcare in America, offering a wide array of services to underserved communities in Virginia.

Evolving Healthcare Landscapes

The journey from a humble mobile clinic to an expansive healthcare network marks the significant evolution of the Health Wagon. It comprises two fixed-site clinics, four mobile units, a comprehensive pharmacy, and a modern dental facility. As the oldest mobile free clinic in the U.S., it provided care in nearly 29,000 patient encounters in 2024, illustrating its critical role in serving southwestern Virginia's most vulnerable populations.

Bridging Health Divides

The areas the Health Wagon serves showcase some of America's most extreme health disparities. In Virginia, the difference in life expectancy between the wealthier northern regions and the poorer Appalachian areas is stark. Health Wagon's efforts are vital in reducing these disparities and making healthcare accessible where needed.

Innovation at the Forefront

The Health Wagon has consistently been a pioneer in adopting innovative health solutions. Notably, in 2015, it partnered with Flirty to execute the first FAA-approved drone delivery of medication in the U.S., an achievement now part of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum collection. The organization also integrated SpaceX's Starlink program into its operations, setting a precedent for telehealth services in remote areas.

Its telehealth offerings are among the most comprehensive in Virginia, including the first remote wound care clinic and advanced post-COVID care programs. Collaborative projects with the University of Virginia have led to the development of telemedicine capabilities like remote cystoscopy procedures, enabling early detection of bladder cancer in rural patients.

Healthcare Without Boundaries

The Health Wagon extends its reach beyond traditional medical treatments, addressing social determinants of health through an integrated care model. The Owens and Hill Dental Health Clinic exemplifies this approach by offering essential dental services alongside educational initiatives and cutting-edge technologies like 3D-printed dentures.

Moreover, the Health Wagon’s pharmacy program, which includes St. Mary's Faith Pharmacy, has distributed over $25 million in free medications, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent access to necessary treatments.

Empowering Community Health

The Health Wagon’s influence on community health is profound, thanks to its collaboration with food banks, transportation services, and other social supports. These partnerships help address the myriad factors influencing health outcomes in rural settings.

The Move Mountains Medical Mission (M7), formerly the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Health Expedition, is a testament to the organization's commitment to eliminating healthcare barriers. This annual event has become the largest in the U.S., providing thousands with free medical, dental, and vision services yearly.

Charting the Future of Rural Health

As it looks to the future, the Health Wagon plans to introduce innovative services such as mobile endoscopy and the first mobile CT scanners in rural America, aiming to enhance early detection and treatment of diseases. The organization also plans to develop a mobile surgical unit for eye surgeries and establish the Rural Sky Disaster RAPID Response Initiative, further expanding its emergency care services.

Garnering Recognition

The Health Wagon's forward-thinking approaches have reshaped rural healthcare and brought national recognition and numerous accolades. The organization's impactful work has been featured extensively in the media and acknowledged by prominent healthcare bodies nationwide.

Innovating for Health Equity

The transformation of the Health Wagon from an introductory mobile clinic into a comprehensive healthcare provider highlights the transformative impact of innovation on healthcare delivery. With its ongoing commitment to technological advancements, strategic partnerships, and community-centered health initiatives, the Health Wagon continues to lead and inspire in rural healthcare.

For those interested in learning more about Health Wagon’s initiatives and their considerable impact on community health, additional details are available on their official website at www.thehealthwagon.org, or one can connect with the organization through their social media platforms.