The Zufall Health vans will provide services to low- and no-income residents on Aug. 22, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2.
When the Neighborhood Health Center in Phillipsburg closed last November, it left about 1,200 patients looking for health care.
Now Zufall Health is looking to help those patients with its mobile health care van and new dental van.
The Zufall Health medical van, funded by Daiichi Sankyo, will be coming to Phillipsburg next week, as will the new Zufall dental van, funded by Delta Dental and Partners for Health. (Courtesy photo) Zufall Health is an independent, state-licensed and federally qualified community health center, according to a news release. The non-profit organization offers health care to to families and individuals who can't afford it.
"Our mission is we don't turn anyone away," said Michelle Blanchfield, director of outreach and special populations.
Zufall provides services in both English and Spanish and accepts patients with or without insurance including those with Medicare, Medicaid and NJFamilyCare.
Its dental van will be in Phillipsburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday. The dental van is a "mobile dental office" and will provide both preventive care and treatment including cleanings, exams, X-rays, extractions and dentures. Private dental insurance is not accepted, however.
The medical van will be in Phillipsburg from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, and Friday, Sept. 2. The "medical office on wheels" provides a variety of services from physicals and blood draws to women's services, podiatry and HIV testing.
The medical van is also equipped to give dental exams and full mouth X-rays.
The vans will be parked at the Phillipsburg Housing Authority, 530 Heckman St.
Patients are asked to register in advance.
During registration, a staff member will "ask what they'd like to see the doctor for," ensuring the van is stocked with the appropriate equipment and staff for the patients' needs, according to Zufall Health. Registration will also ensure that patients have all necessary paperwork at their appointment.
To register, call 973-328-3344 ext. 256.
"We don't mind walk-ins," Blanchfield said, as long as patients have proof of insurance and a valid photo ID, proof of income and proof of residence.
As the clinic expands operations in Phillipsburg, it hopes to have a physical office soon. Until then, the vans will continue to visit.
"What's important is to make people aware that we're going to be there to help people," Blanchfield said.
Melissa Reph is lehighvalleylive.com's Student Achievement Award intern. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.