“Wellness on Wheels 2” to Serve Two Local High Schools

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Christie Clinic Team Up to Bring Health Services to Teen Students

“Wellness on Wheels is a great way to offer free preventive health services to kids who need them,” said Julie Pryde, Director of the Health District’s Division of HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management.

"Christie Clinic will always do what it can to offer health education
and treatment to all of Champaign County," said Alan Gleghorn, CEO Christie Clinic. "We are glad we can aid the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District with the use of our Mobile Unit."

Champaign, IL –Wellness on Wheels 2 (WOW 2), a free mobile health program for teens at two local high schools, opens its doors on Wednesday, February 2. This collaborative effort between the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Christie Clinic will bring preventive health services to high school students who have no access to a school nurse or school-based health center.

The Christie Clinic Mobile Unit is a comprehensive health clinic on wheels. It includes two fully-equipped exam rooms, a hearing screening room, a waiting area, restroom and storage.

Representatives from Christie Clinic will ceremonially hand over the mobile unit keys to Health District staff on Wednesday, February 2 at noon, the first day of services outside Central High School.

Beginning on that day, the mobile unit will offer preventive health services every other Wednesday outside Central High School, 610 West University Avenue, in

Champaign. On alternate Wednesdays the van will park near Centennial High School, 913 S. Crescent Drive, in Champaign. The van will be available to students from 2-4 p.m. on those days.

The unit will offer students aged 13 and up free health screenings, disease prevention supplies and educational materials. Students may visit the van for free blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol screenings; HIV counseling and testing; pregnancy tests; sexually-transmitted disease tests; and information about disease prevention, diet and exercise. Students who need more intensive medical attention will receive referrals to other services.

The Health District’s Division of HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management provides health information, referrals, advocacy and educational groups. It also serves as lead agency for two regional HIV programs. The division’s mission is to improve public health by challenging social injustice, creating responsive services, promoting community involvement and linking those in need to local resources.

“We are very excited about our mobile health program, and expect to have continued success in 2005,” said Division Director Julie Pryde. She noted that her division has also teamed up with Carle Foundation Hospital to offer preventive health services to adults and children on Carle’s mobile unit (WOW 1). That outreach occurs each Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Randolph Street just north of Springfield Avenue. “By expanding and diversifying our services, we will enhance our community outreach,” she said.

For more information about the WOW programs or to find a schedule of locations for Wellness on Wheels call 217-239-7827.

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“Wellness on Wheels” is Back in Action

Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Carle Foundation Hospital Team Up to Bring Health Services to the Streets

“Wellness on Wheels is a great way to offer free preventive health services to the people who most need them,” said Julie Pryde, Division Director, HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management.

Champaign, IL – After a one-year hiatus while Carle Foundation Hospital refurbished its mobile clinic, Wellness on Wheels (WOW), a free mobile health program, begins operating again this week. WOW will offer prevention services one day a week on Randolph Street near Springfield Avenue, in Champaign. The program is a joint venture of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District and Carle Foundation Hospital’s Regional Outreach Services.

The Carle Mobile Clinic is a comprehensive health clinic on wheels. It includes two exam rooms, basic lab and x-ray equipment, a waiting area, restroom and storage. A lift makes the mobile unit accessible to people with physical limitations. Since 1998, it has been used for primary care, immunizations, school physicals, health screenings, and educational presentations.

Starting Friday, January 7, WOW will be parked on the east side of Randolph Street, just north of Springfield Avenue, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday (weather permitting).

WOW will offer free blood pressure and blood sugar screening, cholesterol tests, vaccinations, Hepatitis A & B immunizations, Hepatitis C screening, anonymous or 20-minute (confidential) HIV testing, STD testing, pregnancy testing, KidCare health insurance applications and health information. Program staff includes nurses, counselors, health educators, and Spanish-language translators.

WOW first opened its doors in August, 2002. To date, more than 800 people have made use of the various health services it offers.

The Division of HIV/STD/TB Prevention & Management investigates and follows up on reportable diseases. It offers health information, referrals, advocacy and educational groups and acts as lead agency for two regional HIV programs. The division’s mission is to improve public health by challenging social injustice, creating responsive services, promoting community involvement and linking those in need to local resources. Social workers, counselors, health educators, addiction counselors and nurses offer case management, health education, prevention and counseling services to all in need.

“We are very excited about our mobile health program, and expect to have continued success in 2005,” said Pryde. She noted that planning is underway with Christie Clinic to offer the same services on their mobile unit. “By expanding and diversifying our services, we will enhance our community outreach,” she said.

For more information about the WOW program or to find a schedule of locations for Wellness on Wheels call 217-239-7827.

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Download 2005-01-05-WOW-startup-PR