It’s Part of Novant Health’s Commitment to Removing Barriers to Health Care
By Susan Miller
“Keep your eyes peeled for the big, purple bus – it’s like a big, purple hug.”
That’s advice from Elizabeth Forte, the transcultural health manager at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center, on how to spot Wilmington’s first Community Care Cruiser that opened in January. The cruiser is a 38-foot mobile unit that’s helping to bring health care to community members right where they are.
The mobile cruiser provides a variety of health and medical services, including preventive screenings, prescriptions, rapid tests for illnesses like RSV and flu, vaccines, nutrition counseling, and more. It’s an important part of Novant Health’s commitment to ensuring all community members receive the care they need, regardless of where they live, income, or circumstances.
“We’re planning to be intentional and creative about where we take the cruiser to remove barriers patients may face when trying to access care,” Forte said.
The cruiser travels to community health events, schools, and other gathering places in the Cape Fear region. It also provides primary care each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot of the Wilmington branch of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, located downtown at 1000 Greenfield St., and an appointment is not required during this time.
Establishing continuity of care
A big change the Community Care Cruiser stands to make in the community is allowing families who don’t have a regular, stable relationship with a doctor to establish one. Clinicians aboard the cruiser provide primary care and can also help connect individuals and families with a primary care doctor at a nearby clinic location.
For individuals who don’t regularly visit a doctor for routine care, small health concerns can escalate into larger problems when they go untreated. And that can often result in a preventable visit to the emergency room. Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider allows the doctor to screen, diagnose, and form a care plan for small health issues before they become big emergencies.
“We understand that patients may delay or avoid care for a number of reasons, so we’re delighted that the cruiser reduces barriers related to access, cost, and convenience,” Forte said. “Reliable and consistent healthcare gives community members, their children, and their families more stability.”
Cruiser care team members work to connect patients with additional health resources when needed. Patients can receive a referral to a specialist, talk with a financial liaison, receive assistance with food insecurity, and/or be connected with a social worker. Patients also have access to a Spanish interpreter, if needed.
There’s a second Community Care Cruiser on the way later in 2024, as well as a second Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Clinic, the next one located just yards away from the Creekwood South community. It’s all part of Novant Health’s commitment to closing health equity gaps and addressing social determinants of health.
“You spoke, we listened,” Forte said.
