By: Ashmar Mandou

Underserved children from Chicago’s Humboldt Park area were the recipients of the most advanced mobile health care following the unveiling on Thursday of a new pediatric mobile medical unit. Known as the Norwegian American Hospital Pediatric Care-A-Van, the “doctor’s office on wheels” will feature innovative technology and operate in partnership with the Norwegian American Hospital Foundation. Through a generous grant from the Children’s Care Foundation, the program will provide mobile health care for uninsured and underserved children and teenagers. “I am very excited about our new mobile medical unit,” said José R. Sánchez, president and CEO of Norwegian American Hospital. “This will allow us to continue to provide outstanding comprehensive primary health care services to the underserved youth we work with. The new unit will enable us to take our care provision to the next level, so that our patients can be even more engaged in the program, and have the best health outcomes possible.” The new Pediatric Care-A-Van will increase access, convenience, continuity, and quality of care to meet the unique needs of this patient population. The van is fitted with everything needed for health care clinics. In addition to immunization services, the van is suitable for health care screenings and physical examinations. The mobile unit will collaborate with other community partners, including Chicago Public Schools, churches and local health events. It will also be used at health fairs and community programs.