MAYVILLE, NY – Accompanied by community leaders and local officials, the Chautauqua County Health Department held an open house unveiling their new Mobile Health Vehicle on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
In 2021, Chautauqua County accepted funds to purchase the vehicle from a Center for Disease Control (CDC) grant facilitated by the New York State Department of Health.
The vehicle serves as an extension of the Health Department. It is complete with a full exam room, limited laboratory capabilities, and a waiting area.
“This new addition allows us the opportunity to bring the Health Department straight into our neighborhoods with an emphasis on providing services to those most vulnerable,” stated Dr. Michael Faulk, Chief Medical Officer and Interim Public Health Director. “We are excited to collaborate with our community partners, municipalities, and in particular schools to utilize this vehicle to its fullest potential.”
The Mobile Health Vehicle will provide access to:
- Community and environmental health education.
- Help and resources for new parents such as infant growth and development, safe sleep, breastfeeding support, safety, nutrition, and immunizations.
- Early childhood screenings to test for developmental delays and lead poisoning.
- Information on environmental hazards.
- Immunization services.
- Preventative care.
- Assist with linking to partner agency services.
- Harm reduction services.
- Emergency response
The vehicle will also be used as a public health emergency and disaster response vehicle on an as needed basis partnering with the Office of Emergency Services.
“The addition of the new mobile clinic will be a welcome addition to Chautauqua County, and will add diversity and additional resources that Chautauqua County can offer,” said Noel Guttman, the Chautauqua County Office of Emergency Services Director. “This new vehicle will also be a force multiplier for Emergency Services, by having an option for patients to be seen remotely, in cooperation with County Health for extended or unique calls for service.”
Throughout the year, the Mobile Health Vehicle can be found around the county bringing public health information and services even closer to its residents. In fact, those in attendance at the Chautauqua County Fair this week will have a chance to see the vehicle first hand.
On Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, 2023 the vehicle will be deployed and on display at the Chautauqua County Fairgrounds in Dunkirk, NY. During this time, Health Department staff will be on hand to speak with the public to learn more about the vehicle and its planned uses as well as provide information on all of the services provided by the Health Department. The vehicle will serve as a breastfeeding station at the fair, offering parents a private, air-conditioned area to breastfeed their infant. The breastfeeding station will be available between 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
The Health Department is committed to protecting the health of residents and our environment, preventing disease, and promoting overall health and wellness. For more information on the Chautauqua County Health Department and the services they provide visit www.HealthyCHQ.com or call 716-753-4312.
