Petaluma Health Center unveils state-of-the-art mobile clinic for underserved populations

Petaluma Health Center leaders unveiled a new, state-of-the-art, 40-foot-long mobile health unit Friday morning at John Reed Elementary School in Rohnert Park, ushering in a new era in access to health care for a lot.

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District superintendent Helena and Mayra Perez helped introduce the mobile health unit to the community at a grand opening Friday.

“For many people in Sonoma County, especially low-income residents and language minorities, access to health care continues to be a challenge,” said Pedro Toledo, administrative director of Petaluma Health Center, in a press release. “Through this investment in an all-new, state-of-the-art mobile health unit, Petaluma Health Center is fulfilling its mission and continuing promise to increase access to care and remove barriers that contribute to health disparities in our community. »

The mobile health clinic will bring care closer to people who need it most, Toledo added, whether close to home, school or work, where it will bring primary care, mental health and dental care.

The mobile health clinic has state-of-the-art equipment, including two dental chairs and a medical exam space, and will primarily focus on the Sonoma County area.

“The Mobile Health Center will promote Petaluma Health Center’s founding principle that health care is a right, not a privilege,” the press release reads.

Dr. Urmila Shende, who served as the county’s COVID-19 vaccine chief, will oversee the center’s school-based mobile clinic program in Rohnert Park and Cotati.

With an annual operating budget of $67 million and more than 500 employees, Petaluma Health Center provides services to more than 40,000 patients at 12 health care delivery sites in Sonoma and Marin counties.

Amelia Parreira is an editor for the Argus-Courier. She can be reached at amelia.parreira@arguscourier.com or 707-521-5208.