MetroLink commuters can now receive free health screenings at four stops in the city of St. Louis. Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers will bring its mobile health van to four locations to provide free blood pressure screenings and other health assessments for transit riders and nearby residents on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., alternating locations each week during the month.
The first set of screenings took place Tuesday, June 5, when the van was at the Forest Park-DeBaliviere Transit Center, where it will be on the first Tuesday of the month. On June 12, and on the second Tuesday of each month, the van will be at the Grand MetroLink Station. On June 19, and on the third Tuesday of each month, health screenings will take place at the Civic Center Transit Center. On June 26, and on the fourth Tuesday of each month, it will be at the Riverview Transit Center. During months when there is a fifth Tuesday, the van will go to the Civic Center Transit Center.
There are areas of the St. Louis region with populations who have lower access to health care resources and experience greater barriers associated with cost of care, according to research. This not only has a negative effect on their health, but it also leads to more emergency room admissions, more hospital admissions for preventable conditions, and overall higher health care costs.
“About a year ago, we conducted a community health needs assessment with our regional partners, and one of the five strategy areas that was outlined was access to health care,” said Melba Moore, director of the St. Louis Department of Health. “We are interested in putting services where the people area. That is true public health.”
The health screenings in the city are a partnership between People’s, Bi-State Development, Metro Transit and the St. Louis Department of Health.
John Nations, Bi-State Development president and chief executive officer, said its partners “are committed to improving access to health care, and they see the amazing potential of connecting health care to public transit to reach thousands of Metro riders and residents in underserved communities.”
Health screenings on the People’s mobile van are free, with no insurance, payment or copay required and no appointment necessary. In addition to providing blood pressure screenings and other health needs assessments, adults will get assistance in applying for health insurance and follow-up care options at community health centers in the area.
Dwayne Butler, president and CEO of People’s, said those needing follow-up care will be directed to a site closest to their address.
“Abnormal screenings will be immediately discussed with the patient, and the patient will be encouraged to follow-up with their doctor or make an immediate appointment at one of our BJK People’s sites,” Butler said.
“This new program is strengthening our ability to bring healthcare to residents of the St. Louis community who are medically uninsured,” said Vickie Wade, executive vice president of Clinical Services with People’s. “Our goal is to educate, support and increase awareness of quality healthcare and social services.”
At the kickoff of the program on May 31, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said, “Addressing minor health conditions before they turn into major issues improves the quality of life for residents as well as minimizes disruptions to our lives and helps keep down the costs of health care for everyone.”
St. Louis Department of Health said it will provide a nurse, when needed, to conduct blood pressure screenings and will have a representative to offer program literature and educational materials on sexually transmitted infections/HIV, safe sex kits, asthma, lead, smoking cessation and tuberculosis at each location and to make community/health care provider referrals.
This is a pilot program that organizers will monitor to gauge demand for health services.
