Springfield, Ohio – In an effort to alleviate long wait times and other pressures on the healthcare system in Springfield and Clark County, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced today that the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) will collaborate with the Clark County Combined Health District to open a mobile health clinic in Springfield next week.
The mobile clinic is intended to offer immediate support for the strained healthcare system in the region. Governor DeWine also revealed that plans are underway to transition the mobile clinic into a permanent healthcare facility that will serve the Springfield community long-term. While the location and opening schedule for the permanent clinic are still to be finalized, the state and local health departments are working diligently to meet the growing healthcare demands in the area.
Expanding Healthcare Access for the Community
“Starting next week, the new mobile clinic will supplement and expand the primary healthcare services that are already here in Springfield,” said Governor DeWine. “Our goal is to reduce wait times and to be able to provide the necessary healthcare services for everyone – whether you’ve lived in this community your whole life or you’ve just come into the community recently.”
The need for expanded healthcare services in Springfield has become critical, particularly in light of the influx of thousands of Haitian migrants over the past few years. This growing population has put added pressure on the local healthcare system, leading to longer wait times for medical appointments and potentially discouraging patients from seeking timely care.
The mobile clinic will offer a broad range of primary care services, including health assessments, vaccinations, lab testing, maternal and infant health services, and more. The clinic will be operated by the Clark County Combined Health District with direct support from the ODH.
Governor Pledges Support for Long-Term Healthcare Solutions
Governor DeWine emphasized his commitment to the success of both the mobile and future permanent clinics, stating, “My commitment to the county and to the City of Springfield is that we, as a state, will not allow either the new mobile clinic or the permanent clinic to fail. There is a significant need here, and we intend to do everything that we can to bolster our capacity to reach more people.”
To address these challenges, Governor DeWine pledged $2.5 million last week to expand primary care access for residents of Springfield and Clark County. The ODH, along with the Clark County Combined Health District and other local healthcare providers, will continue working together to develop long-term solutions to meet the healthcare needs of the entire community. The new mobile clinic is just the first step in improving healthcare access and reducing the burden on the local system.