Ronald McDonald Care Mobile providing healthcare services to children in Worcester County
The UMass Memorial Health Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is revolutionizing healthcare access for vulnerable children and families in Worcester County. This innovative, community-based program delivers essential medical services and preventative dental care directly to socioeconomically disadvantaged, uninsured, and undocumented children. By bringing services into the heart of the community, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile effectively breaks down barriers to healthcare for those who need it most. Serving 28 Worcester public and charter schools and operating across nine neighborhood sites, the Care Mobile ensures vital care is within reach, routinely visiting neighborhood centers, community hubs, churches, and apartment complexes.
Understanding the diverse linguistic needs of the community, the Care Mobile program also provides access to qualified medical interpreters for patients and families who prefer to receive health information in languages other than English. These interpreter services are available at no cost, either in-person or via phone, supporting communication in over 100 languages spoken within the patient population. This commitment to accessible communication ensures that language is never a barrier to receiving quality healthcare.
A Legacy of Care and Community Partnership
The Ronald Mcdonald Care Mobile Program’s journey began in 2000 as a pioneering initiative born from a powerful partnership between Ronald McDonald House Charities and UMass Memorial Medical Center. Recognizing the significant challenges disadvantaged children and their families face in accessing consistent medical and dental care, this program was designed as a flagship effort to combat healthcare disparities within the community. The generous support from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England, Inc., enabled UMass Memorial Medical Center to launch the nation’s very first Ronald McDonald Mobile Care Unit. This groundbreaking initiative has since expanded its reach, inspiring a global network, with over 50 Care Mobiles now operating worldwide, extending this vital model of care to communities across the globe.
Comprehensive Medical and Dental Services
The Care Mobile program is dedicated to providing a wide range of medical and preventative dental services to students within the Worcester Public Schools system. Operating Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 am to 3 pm, the mobile clinic rotates through nine different community locations each month to maximize accessibility. Beyond delivering immediate medical and dental care, the dedicated Care Mobile staff plays a crucial role in connecting children and their families with essential community resources. This includes facilitating connections with primary care physicians, dentists, and other specialized healthcare providers, as well as offering assistance in navigating and enrolling in health insurance programs.
The Care Mobile itself is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair access to ensure inclusivity for all patients. While it is equipped to accommodate many needs, it is important to note that the Care Mobile is unable to accommodate patients who require stretchers or gurneys. For any specific questions regarding services or patient accommodations, individuals are encouraged to contact the Outreach Liaison, Nardy Vega, directly at 508-341-9416 for detailed information. For those seeking to explore further community resources, the program recommends visiting CommunityHELP, an online platform connecting individuals with local support services.
To schedule an appointment with the Care Mobile, please contact our dedicated scheduling line at 508-334-6073.
Medical Care Services Include:
- Comprehensive Physical Exams: Ensuring overall health and well-being through thorough examinations.
- Well-Child and Adolescent Care: Focused on preventative care and healthy development at every stage.
- Non-Urgent Sick Visits: Addressing immediate health concerns and illnesses that are not emergencies.
- Blood Pressure Checks: Monitoring vital signs to detect and manage potential health issues.
- On-site Lab Tests: Providing convenient and timely diagnostic testing.
Dental Care Services Include:
- Dental Sealants: Protecting teeth from cavities and promoting long-term dental health.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: Removing plaque and tartar for healthy gums and teeth.
- Dental Screenings (Worcester Public Schools): Identifying potential dental issues early for timely intervention.
- Fluoride Treatment: Strengthening tooth enamel and preventing decay.
- Dental Referrals: Connecting patients with specialists for advanced dental care when needed.
Community Outreach Services Include:
- Health Education: Empowering families with knowledge to make informed health decisions.
- Advocacy: Supporting patients and families in navigating the healthcare system.
- Health Insurance Referrals: Assisting with enrollment and access to affordable health coverage.
- Physical Referrals: Connecting patients with specialists and other medical services as needed.
- Access to Community Resources: Linking families to a wide range of support services within their community.
- Bilingual Services: Ensuring effective communication and culturally sensitive care for diverse populations.
In case of a medical emergency, please dial 911 immediately.
Explore additional community resources through the links provided below:
COVID-19 Resources:
[Community and State Resources](Link to Community and State Resources – Placeholder)
Need Health Insurance Assistance?
If you require assistance applying for health insurance, the Patient Financial Counseling Office is available to help. Contact them at 508-334-9300 or via email at [email protected]. Interpreter services are also available through this office. The Patient Financial Counseling Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. Further information can be found on the MassHealth website.
Care Mobile Location Sites:
Autumn Woods Apartments: 15 Upland Gardens Drive, Worcester, MA 01607
Clinton Public Schools: 150 School Street, Clinton, MA 01510
Green Island/Crompton Park: 50 Canton Street, Worcester, MA 01610
Our Lady of Loreto Church: 33 Massasoit Road, Worcester, MA 01604
Plumley Village: 34 Laurel Street, Worcester, MA 01608
South Worcester Neighborhood Center: 47 Camp Street, Worcester, MA 01603
Marlborough Hospital: 157 Union Street, Marlborough, MA 01752
Worcester Youth Center: 326 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA 01602
YMCA Central Branch: Murray Avenue side, 766 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01610
