MAY 2, 2024:
The South Dakota Department of Health is taking some healthcare services on the road.
Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says the Wellness on Wheels— or WOW– mobile clinics are meant to help overcome barriers to healthcare access.
Magstadt says they have five WOW mobile units.
Magstadt says the Wellness on Wheels program collaborates with groups around the state to determine what services are needed where, and when.
Magstadt says the WOW mobile clinics are a proactive approach to bridging gaps and ensuring everyone has access to services they need to thrive.
The WOW mobile clinics will provide a variety of essential healthcare services, including:
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Women, Infants and Children (WIC) services: Providing families with nutrition assessment, breastfeeding support, and access to healthy foods;
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Immunizations: Ensuring children are up to date on vaccines and receiving them at appropriate times;
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Breastfeeding Support: Offering support and necessary supplies to mothers;
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Pregnancy Risk Identification: Identifying and addressing risks during pregnancy;
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Oral Health: Providing fluoride varnish to children starting from the age of 1 to address oral health concerns;
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Postpartum Nursing Care: Offering supplemental care to postpartum women in addition to their healthcare provider;
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Safe Sleep Practices: Providing safe sleep environments and best practices to families with infants;
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Developmental Screenings: Addressing developmental milestones starting from 2 months of age; and,
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STD Testing: Early identification of cases such as syphilis to prevent congenital syphilis.
MAY 1, 2024:
In rural and frontier areas of the United States, a lack of infrastructure and transportation often prevents adequate access to public health services. In response to these barriers, the South Dakota Department of Health is taking some healthcare services on the road.
Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says the Wellness on Wheels— or WOW– mobile clinics are a proactive approach to bridging gaps and ensuring everyone has access to services they need to thrive. She says DOH will leverage partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers and social service agencies to identify optimal locations for the WOW mobile clinics.
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.
A kickoff event today (May 1, 2024) in Pierre will showcase a range of vital services addressing the diverse healthcare needs of South Dakotans, particularly those facing socioeconomical barriers and social determinants of health. The event will take place at the Missouri Avenue Event Center from 4–6pm CT. The public is welcome to attend.
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