By: Maria-Paula

Virginia Commonwealth University’s, Health Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) department recently administered an assessment to the six counties surrounding South Hill, Virginia rural communities. The study results verified that 45% of those surveyed have trouble accessing primary care, while 41% have difficulty accessing home health services. The survey further proved that access to quality health care remains a challenge for many rural communities, including Southside Virginia.

CMH is part of a larger academic health network that helps bridge the gap by offering innovative resources in the health sector all round.

As part of the Mobile Health and Wellness Program, a growing network of mobile health locations working together under the umbrella of VCU School of Nursing and driving the agenda, two nurse practitioners who also teach at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing are now traveling to CMH’s Thomas W. Leggett Center once weekly to provide essential health care directly to residents who need it most. The South Hill clinic is open every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Martha Purvis, DNP, the project coordinator and academic liaison from the School of Nursing reiterated that many of the individuals they look forward to working with in South Hill might not have access to routine check-ups or preventive care as they not only treat patients but also build relationships and empower communities to take charge of their health.

In addition to community support services which include food and nutrition programs, and free or reduced-cost eyeglasses, services offered are on-site screening for blood pressure and diabetes, medication and care management, mental health screenings, managing transitions of care after emergency room or hospital visits, nutrition coaching, and smoking cessation support.

“Expanding these key services to South Hill means increased access to essential health care for our community. This initiative is an important step in ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive the quality care they come to expect from our health system.” said Sheldon Barr, president of VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital.”

“Our goal is to break down barriers to health care by bringing essential services directly to the communities that need them most,” said Jacqueline Daniel, DNP, RN, FNP, CNE, clinical assistant professor at the School of Nursing. “We are committed to improving access, promoting wellness, and fostering trust in the health care system.”

This expansion has been facilitated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, supporting the clinic’s mission to extend operations to rural communities across the VCU and VCU Health footprint through a $4 million federal grant.

Since 2013, VCU School of Nursing’s Mobile Health and Wellness Program has provided services to individuals in the Richmond and Tappahannock regions.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Martha Purvis at 804-389-0521 or email mhwp@vcu.edu.