Bringing Healthcare to the Doorstep: Seton's Mobile Clinic Serves the Underserved in the Highland Lakes

In a commendable effort to address the healthcare needs of children and adolescents in the Highland Lakes region, the Seton Highland Lakes Care-A-Van is making regular weekly stops, including at several elementary schools, to provide essential medical services. This mobile clinic offers a range of services, from managing chronic illnesses to administering sports physicals and addressing minor injuries and illnesses. The Care-A-Van's inclusive approach ensures that non-English-speaking patients can also access the care they require.

Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare for the Community's Most Vulnerable

Comprehensive Care on Wheels

The Seton Highland Lakes Care-A-Van is more than just a mobile clinic; it's a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare. By bringing its services directly to the neighborhoods it serves, the Care-A-Van ensures that children and teens who may have limited access to traditional healthcare facilities can receive the attention and treatment they need. From managing chronic conditions like asthma and obesity to providing sports physicals and well-child exams, this mobile clinic offers a wide range of essential services, all conveniently located within the communities it serves.The Care-A-Van's versatility extends beyond its medical capabilities. Recognizing the diverse needs of the Highland Lakes region, the clinic has made significant strides in accommodating non-English-speaking patients through the use of Martii, a translation service that removes language barriers and ensures inclusive access to healthcare.

A Collaborative Approach to Community Wellness

The success of the Seton Highland Lakes Care-A-Van can be attributed to the strong partnerships and community support it has fostered. By collaborating with local schools and organizations, the mobile clinic has been able to reach those who are most in need of its services, primarily the underserved and uninsured populations of the region.According to Becky Fox, the senior director of development for Seton, this collaborative approach has been instrumental in the program's success. "Having community support and partnerships has really made our program successful," she says. "It has allowed us to serve children in our community that are primarily underserved and uninsured."

A Legacy of Care: 20 Years of Serving the Highland Lakes

The Seton Highland Lakes Care-A-Van is not a new initiative; in fact, it has been providing vital healthcare services to the region for over two decades. In 2023, the mobile clinic celebrated its 20th year of operation, a testament to its unwavering commitment to the well-being of the community.Over the past two decades, the Care-A-Van has amassed an impressive track record, with a total of 32,770 patient visits, or approximately 1,600 patients per year. This remarkable achievement highlights the significant impact the mobile clinic has had on the lives of children and adolescents in the Highland Lakes region.

Expanding the Reach of Healthcare

The Seton Highland Lakes Care-A-Van's weekly schedule is designed to ensure that its services are accessible to as many families as possible. From Mondays at Packsaddle Elementary in Kingsland to Fridays at R.J. Richey Elementary in Burnet, the mobile clinic makes regular stops at various locations throughout the region, making it convenient for parents to schedule appointments for their children.The Care-A-Van's comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery is further bolstered by its acceptance of a wide range of insurance plans, including CHIP, most Medicaid HMO plans, and in-network private insurance. This inclusive policy ensures that the mobile clinic's services are available to families regardless of their financial circumstances, breaking down barriers to healthcare access.