Debut of New SOS Health Mobile Unit
Local leaders stand with SOS in bettering community access to care
On August 10, the focus of National Health Center Week was “Health Care for the Homeless Day”. It was most fitting that we celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for our new SOS Health Mobile Unit. As part of the celebration, SOS was accompanied by Congressman Harley Rouda, Costa Mesa City Mayor, Katrina Foley, and Liz McNabb from Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris’ office.
This mobile health center is initially providing medical and behavioral health services at several homeless shelters in Orange County. As one of 295 health centers across the nation that is a designated Health Care for the Homeless organization, we know that individuals that are homeless disproportionately experience poor health outcomes, higher incidents of mental health challenges, and higher mortality rates. SOS’ goal by bringing care to where homeless individuals are sheltered is to improve their overall health, and in partnership, work with other agencies to ultimately end homelessness.
The ceremony was an opportunity to share in the collaborative effort between organizations like SOS and local leaders who share in the mission of SOS. “When you think about health, you need to think outside of the four walls of a clinic,” states SOS Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jay W. Lee. “For some, you can help with a prescription pad, but for many, you need to partner with community leaders for solutions.”
Those in attendance had the honor of hearing from our elected officials. “Community providers like Share Our Selves are on the frontlines of the coronavirus crisis, working 24/7 to keep Orange County healthy,” said Congressman Rouda. “Their new mobile unit is an incredible step to ensure OC’s most vulnerable can access health services during COVID-19 and beyond.”
After the ribbon-cutting, representatives joined SOS Social Services staff and volunteers in the SOS Food Pantry to assist in the packing of bags for the day. Share Our Selves CEO, Christy Ward, expressed her gratitude for their participation. “We know that our elected officials are all incredibly busy with all of the work that they are doing to support our communities and the individuals that live and work in them, and we were grateful for their participation and support of the opening of this new mobile clinic.”