Mobile health units offered in EP | News, Sports, Jobs

Stephanie Elverd | May 2, 2023

EAST PALESTINE — When the Norfolk Southern train derailed on Feb. 3, the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County (CAACC) was among the responding agencies, providing mobile medical care immediately and later joining forces with the Ohio Department of Health to provide care to residents at the East Palestine Health Assessment Clinic in the days following the disaster.

The agency is returning to the village this month to offer its services again as the village struggles to return to normal in the aftermath of the rail disaster.

“We were there in East Palestine after the Feb. 3 train derailment and fire by offering our mobile unit and services at the Ohio Department of Health’s-sponsored Health Assessment Clinic, and we have made the commitment to continue to be there for those residents who want and need our services,” said Jenna Wonner, chief operating officer of the CAACC.

According to a press release from the agency on Monday, “CAACC’s Health, Behavioral Health and Dental Centers Mobile Unit will be making East Palestine its home for a couple days each week starting this month.” The mobile unit will be set up in the parking lot at the First Church of Christ in East Palestine, located at 20 W. Martin St., to provide medical services on Mondays beginning May 8.

“We’re going to be there on Mondays to offer East Palestine and surrounding area residents some of our primary health services, such as physicals, health check/well child exams, sick visits and lab services,” said Wonner. “We’re thankful to Pastor Bob Helbeck and his congregation at the First Church of Christ for allowing us to have our mobile unit centrally located in East Palestine. This makes it easier for residents to access our services.”

Behavioral health services will be provided on May 17. Individual, couples and family counseling will be offered on Wednesdays at the same location.

The mobile health unit East Palestine deployment is the latest from the agency, committed to promoting and providing quality health care in Columbiana County.

“The Community Action Agency of Columbiana County will be there for any resident in need, strengthening the community, fostering well-being and promoting self-sufficiency,” said agency CEO Thomas Andrews.

Area residents are required to make an appointment to see a mobile unit medical provider or counselor. To make a medical appointment, contact 330-424-5686. Behavioral health appointments can be made at 330-386-7870.

This service has been made possible through funding from the U.S. Public Health Services and the Ohio Department of Health program grantee.

CAACC’s health, behavioral health and dental care are provided at five locations — East Liverpool, Lisbon and Salineville — and are open to all county residents regardless of the ability to pay. CAACC’s centers can see patients with Medicare and Medicaid and accept most private insurances as well. And a sliding fee scale based on a family’s income is offered for those without insurance.

A sixth CAACC site is nearing completion and is set to open to the public in the coming months. The Health and Women’s Health Center in Salem at 2376 Southeast Blvd., will offer women’s health and medical services.