Mobile healthcare clinic for Veterans
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
Ringgold County Veterans Affairs has corresponded with the Central Iowa VA Healthcare Center out of Des Moines to assist rural Veterans in receiving medical and mental healthcare treatment locally two days a month.
The Des Moines VA has a Virtual Mobile Clinic (VMC), which is a 38 ½ foot Recreational Vehicle that has been modified into a healthcare center on wheels.
There are 4 trained staff members and 2 exam rooms on board. The United Baptist Presbyterian Church at the corner of Hwy 169 and Hwy 2 in Mount Ayr has graciously volunteered to host the VMC every other month. The first clinics dates are scheduled for Tuesday, September 24 and Tuesday, November 26.
Services that can be provided in person by appointment include:
- Primary care
- Respiratory
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Tele-wound
- Tele-dermatology
- Urology
- Mental health
- Nutrition
- Social work
- Speech therapy
- Labs draws and vaccination
- Toe-nail trimming
Other services provided on a walk-in basis include blood pressure checks, home tele-health screening, enrollment or My HealthVet enrollment and appointment scheduling.
If you are enrolled in VA Healthcare and would like to schedule an appointment at the mobile clinic, please call 515-401-5452.
The primary focus of the mobile clinic is to switch Veterans from clinic appointments in Des Moines, to appointments on the VMC. They are also connecting Veterans with eligibility if they are just starting with VA Healthcare, to assist more Veterans in getting VA medical care.
To provide any direct medical care, Veterans first need to be registered. They would then be connected with a provider virtually in the VMC.
On-site medical services include drawing labs and giving immunizations, checking vital signs and weight (wheelchair weight as well), everything a clinic can do, they will be able to do. They plan on being in Ringgold County 4-6 hours during each visit.
Veterans from neighboring places and Missouri are also encouraged to come and take advantage of the mobile clinic.
The mobile clinic will be coming every other month to The United Baptist Presbyterian Church parking lot in Mount Ayr. The church address is 2343 US-169 Mt. Ayr, IA 50854.
If you are already enrolled in VA Healthcare, just bring a valid form of state issued ID.
If you are not yet enrolled in VA Healthcare but want to be, please bring your DD214 or a certified copy to the mobile clinic, as well as valid ID, they can help you register.
Call 641-464-2397 or email veteransaffairs@ringgoldcounty.us with any questions. For more information regarding the Mobile Clinic Bus, or to schedule an appointment in September, please call 515-401-5452.
