As Houstonians focus on recovery efforts to rebuild their lives, homes and communities after Hurricane Harvey, last Friday the Amerigroup Mobile Health Clinic kicked off its road tour across Greater Houston with its 320 square-foot mobile unit, equipped with providing FREE on-site medical telehealth visits via LiveHealth Online, and other complimentary resources and support for everyone. The Amerigroup Mobile Health Clinic Road Tour is making stops at the Houston Food Bank’s distribution sites. The clinic will be staffed by English and Spanish-speaking care managers and community health workers, who will have the ability to connect all of our members and the community at-large to the care, services they need, to support their wellbeing during this critical time. Additionally, because the Houston Food Bank is distributing 2 times more product than usual every day to help those impacted by the storm, Amerigroup contributed $10,000 to make sure that families and children in the Greater Houston Area continue to have access to nutritious food and continue to live healthy lives.
“In the midst of Hurricane Harvey recovery mode, Amerigroup remains committed to ensuring that both members, their families and the communities at-large have continued access to physical health, mental health and substance use disorder services across the Greater Houston area,” said Tisch Scott, Amerigroup Texas president. “Following the hurricane, our associates were immediately on the ground and we’re thrilled to continue our efforts by partnering with a variety of businesses, provider partners and community partners, like the Houston Food Bank, which is aligned with Amerigroup Texas’ mission to increase access to quality health, basic supplies and community services and supports to help positively impact the health and future of Texans.”
This state-of-the-art mobile health clinic is fully equipped with a wheel chair lift, exam room, and a portable kiosk, which was donated by American Well, that provides free and unlimited access to medical telehealth visits via LiveHealth Online through the end of the year to people impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Bilingual physicians will be available via the LiveHealth Online portable kiosk for Spanish-speaking attendees from 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Additionally, the mobile health clinic also includes a video game entertainment system, inflatable tee-ball unit that children, adolescents and families can enjoy, as well as a popcorn machine for attendees to enjoy a healthy snack.
“Quite often during disasters like Hurricane Harvey, in addition to losing so much, people face barriers in accessing food, water, suitable housing and healthcare that will support them in resuming their lives in their communities with their families and friends,” said Houston Food Bank Chief Development Officer Amy Ragan. “Thanks to the support of Amerigroup Texas, our friends and neighbors can count on access to health care and services in addition to nutritious food.”
Longhorn Health Solutions, a Texas based medical supply company, donated several pallets of incontinence products, including diapers for adults and children, and pads, which will be available for attendees. They also donated some durable medical equipment, like walkers, crutches and canes, to serve as loaners for Texans whose equipment was displaced or damaged during their transition. Additionally, Amerigroup will be distributing mosquito repellent, blankets, and solar cell phone chargers, since these items often impact the ability to access care or prevent the spread of diseases. Thank you to UT Physicians for providing flu shots to attendees at the kick-off event.
Each stop is open to the public from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and distribution of items will be available till supplies last. Upcoming events will take place on the following dates and at these locations:
- Monday, September 18: 8788 Tidwell Rd., Houston, 77028
- Tuesday, September 19: 383 Greens Rd., Houston, 77060
- Thursday, September 21: 170 Rittenhouse St., Houston, 77076
- Tuesday, September 26: 4900 Greenhouse Rd., Houston, 77449
- Friday, September 29: 214 Adams St., Houston, 77011