Jefferson Healthcare’s new Mobile Health Clinic will provide important services to underserved communities in East Jefferson County. COO Jake Davidson provides an update on this exciting project.
August 12, 2024
Jefferson Healthcare is taking a significant step forward in expanding healthcare access across East Jefferson County with the development of a mobile health clinic. This innovative initiative was highlighted in a recent episode of the To Your Health podcast, where Jake Davidson, Chief Operating Officer of Jefferson Healthcare, shared insights into the clinic’s mission and anticipated launch in 2025.
A Mobile Solution for Rural Healthcare NeedsThe mobile health clinic will be housed within an RV and will be designed to bring essential healthcare services to rural areas where some people may lack easy access to care. The mobile clinic will initially focus on communities East Jefferson County communities Brinnon, Quilcene, and Port Hadlock.
Perhaps the greatest benefit of the mobile clinic will be flexibility. Because the clinic will be housed in an RV, it can not only bring care to underserved areas, but the care provided can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each community.
The clinic will prioritize expanding dental services, which have seen a surge in demand since the opening of Jefferson Healthcare’s dental clinic, the first of its kind in Washington State.
In describing the mobile clinic’s priorities, Davidson explained, “Of course, number one, we want to expand our dental clinic. And so, that’s the first priority with it.” However, in addition to dental care, Davidson shares that Jefferson Healthcare is “looking at offering primary care, immunizations, providing sports physicals, and offering behavioral health.”
While Davidson noted that several services are likely to be provided in the mobile clinic, he explains that Jefferson Healthcare is also seeking community input. Davidson and other hospital leadership have been actively engaging with the community to gather feedback on what services the mobile clinic should offer. Through a series of forums held in Brinnon, Quilcene, and Port Hadlock, residents have expressed strong support for the project. Though the forums are now complete, community members still have the opportunity to share their thoughts.
If you have ideas or feedback on the services you’d like to see in the mobile health clinic, Jefferson Healthcare invites you to email them at Marketing@JeffersonHealthcare.org. Your suggestions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in our region.
The mobile health clinic is expected to hit the road by early 2025, bringing high-quality healthcare to those in remote areas of Jefferson County, as well as to those who may have difficulty traveling to clinics.
To learn more about this project and to stay updated on its progress, listen to the full podcast episode, “Innovation and Access: The Mobile Health Clinic.”
Jefferson Healthcare is an award-winning, full-service healthcare organization meeting the care needs of East Jefferson County. Jefferson Healthcare offers inpatient and comprehensive outpatient services including primary and specialty physician care.
