Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center Foundation has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation to fund immunizations, translation services and COVID-19 infection prevention supplies aboard the Novant Health Community Care Cruiser. Community cruiser team members provide health care services to public health priority areas where underserved children and their families live, worship and attend school. The 40-foot mobile unit is equipped with two examination rooms, a laboratory area, health education area and intake desk.
The Community Care Cruiser team provides immunizations to uninsured children from birth through age 18 in the greater Charlotte area at no cost to families or guardians. Team members provide services to ensure that children do not miss school days because of missed or delayed vaccinations. In addition to state-mandated and influenza vaccinations, cruiser services include community referrals to free/low-cost health clinics for primary care, school physicals, psychosocial assessments, health care education for guardians and children, and referrals for low-cost or free clothing, food and pharmaceuticals. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread last year, leadership deployed the cruiser to two Novant Health COVID-19 testing sites located in underserved areas of Charlotte to address growing concerns of racial disparities in accessing free COVID-19 testing.
“Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation funding will ensure that the cruiser team continues to provide remarkable service in support of children’s health, especially among populations with transportation, financial or language barriers,” said Ann Caulkins, senior vice president of Novant Health and president of the Novant Health Foundation. “This effort is more vital than ever as our communities continue to struggle with COVID-19. We are deeply grateful for this meaningful partnership with the Virginia Wellington Cabot Foundation.”
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