NECC's Mobile Health Day tackles lack of healthcare access

NECC's Mobile Health Day tackles lack of healthcare access

The Dutchess County mobile health unit parked at the rail trail parking lot on Wednesday, March 12, to provide vaccinations and help patients schedule appointments with healthcare providers.

Photo by Krista A. Briggs

MILLERTON — When in need of health services, patients generally find their way to providers, but on March 12, providers came to patients on Mobile Health Day.

Mobile Health Day — a collaboration between the North East Community Center, the Dutchess County Department of Health, and Sun River Health of Amenia — provided the public with the opportunity to receive vaccinations and health/medical screenings and to schedule medical appointments.

While the offerings were limited, the services on tap that day are much-needed in the region, which lacks a sufficient number of health providers and clinics.The NECC already provides transportation for those in need to pharmacies and doctor’s offices.

NECC’s mobile health day was an attempt to connect the public with easy-to-access care at Dutchess County’s mobile health unit, a large van parked a few doors down from the NECC at the rail trail parking lot on South Center Street.

“The health care desert we experience in northeast Dutchess County can be felt by all our neighbors, who often have to drive increasingly far distances to access the health care they need,” said Cheri Johnson, who serves as the NECC’s marketing and outreach coordinator. “While NECC’s transportation program provides approximately 2,800 free rides per year to those needing transport to medical appointments, this now-monthly gathering of mobile healthcare providers is a great way to bring medical services right into the heart of our community where we need them the most.”

Nurse practitioner Barbara Lopez-Heffernan, who was on-site that day, is bilingual in English and Spanish. Should a patient arrive who isn’t fluent in either tongue, a translation service LanguageLine, is available for those in need.

Lopez-Heffernan, who works with the Department of Health, conveyed that being able to converse with her patients in whatever language they speak fosters a sense of comfort, especially for nervous patients, and helps build patient-practitioner connections. “It’s important to reach patients where they’re at,” she said. “I tell my patients I’m here for you.”

Among the services offered that day included testing for pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, and blood pressure checks along with informational pamphlets. “I triage, refer or treat,” said Lopez-Heffernan.

Sun River Health in Amenia had a table set up inside the NECC where information was provided and answers were given to questions about services.

In addition to the NECC and the Department of Health, Sharon’s Hospital’s Diaper Connections was also around with a generous supply of disposable diapers to provide to patrons in need. Diaper Connections, which is primarily privately funded, has received some grant monies. The organization serves approximately 85 children per month, and about 85% of families with newborns have diaper needs.

According to Candy Osborn, RN, of Sharon Hospital, about 85% of new parents have diaper needs with the birth of a newborn for a variety of reasons. Income is a factor, but sometimes parents are just not properly prepared.

An inflatable welcomed the public to Mobile Health Day on March 12 at the rail trail parking lot, just down the street from the NECC, one of the event’s sponsors.Photo by Krista A. Briggs

“I really feel a lot of families don’t know the resources,” Osborn said. “No judgment here. If you have a need, you have a need.” Osborn conveyed that about 40% to 50% of families with diaper needs in the first month of a newborn’s life return for additional supplies thereafter.

“Mobile Health Day was an excellent way to serve all members of our community, and a large number of people took advantage of the offerings made by North East Community Center, Dutchess County Health Department, Sharon Hospital’s Diaper Connections, and Sun River Health of Amenia,” said Johnson. “We look forward to continuing to provide these resources and are excited for our next mobile health event on April 9 at the South Center Street rail trail parking lot in Millerton.”

Latest News

Road crews start new sidewalk to Amenia's Beekman Park
Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Sidewalk construction that will extend the town sidewalk to Beekman Park got underway this week along Route 44.

On Wednesday, August 20, the crew was checking excavation lines.

Keep ReadingShow less
Backgammon series begins at Hotchkiss Library of Sharon
Backgammon lessons kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 13, at The Hotchkiss Library. Instructor Roger Lourie works with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, while his wife, Claude, assists at a second board with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury.
Leila Hawken

In light of rising local interest in the centuries-old game of Backgammon, Wednesday afternoon backgammon instruction and play sessions are being offered at The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon. The first such session was held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, attracting two enthusiastic participants, both of whom resolved to return for the weekly sessions.

Expert player and instructor Roger Lourie of Sharon, along with his equally expert wife, Claude, led the session, jumping right into the action of playing the game. Claude chose to pair with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury, a moderately experienced player looking to improve her skills, while Lourie teamed himself with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, who was new to the game.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dugazon opens in Sharon, blending Southern roots with global style

Pantry essentials at Dugazon

Jennifer Almquist

You are invited to celebrate the opening of Dugazon, a home and lifestyle shop located in a clapboard cottage at 19 West Main Street, the former site of The Edward in Sharon. The opening is Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m.

After careers in the world of fashion, Salisbury residents Bobby Graham and his husband, Matt Marden, have curated a collection of beautiful items that reflect their sense of design, love of hospitality, and Graham’s deep Southern roots. Dugazon is his maternal family name.

Keep ReadingShow less