Since 2017, Summit Health Cares (SHC) has taken its mobile unit into underserved counties in New Jersey, at community food pantries, faith-based organizations, community health fairs and other locations where there is a need for improved health care, to provide more than 31,000+ free health screenings and education for children and adults, with a focus on detecting pre-diabetes, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and asthma.
Many families delay or cut back on medical expenses to afford household necessities. As a result, parents and children may not realize they are at risk for developing life-threatening conditions until serious complications arise. The mobile unit has exam stations, basic diagnostic tools and medical supplies, which allow SHC staff and Summit Health physicians and nurses, who generously volunteer their time, to identify individuals who have or may be at risk for developing these chronic conditions.
More than 75% of our national health care spending is for people with chronic conditions, according to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). By proactively providing wellness screenings in underserved communities, the foundation is helping break through barriers to health care, providing access to communities in need and making a positive impact in many of our neighbors’ lives.
