Coplin Health Systems is offering a second mobile health unit. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Coplin Health Systems has added a second mobile health unit in an effort to reach more individuals and families facing barriers to traditional health care.

These include those without reliable transportation; those who may struggle to leave their neighborhood due to work, caregiving responsibilities or other challenges; and anyone for whom traveling to a clinic can prove difficult.

The second unit, purchased and operated through an HRSA Behavioral Health Expansion grant, is part of Coplin’s mobile health initiative, which it launched earlier this year with the introduction of its first mobile unit. As the new unit is smaller in size, it can reach communities where parking, space or road access are limited.

The new unit will serve patients of all ages and will prioritize providing medical and behavioral health services, according to a release from Coplin. The unit’s behavioral health room is equipped with child-friendly supplies and adult-sized furniture.

Staffing the unit are experienced medical professionals and a community health professional who can connect patients to care and additional services that address social factors that affect health, including transportation, housing, food access and education, officials said.

As needed, the unit will visit schools in the region, including a regular stop on Mondays at the Fort Frye Local School District in Beverly.

By deploying the mobile unit to support local schools, Coplin intends to provide on-site care that helps children address acute health issues quickly, so they can remain in the classroom rather than miss learning time due to illness.

The new unit will also serve community hubs such as St. Francis Xavier Parish Hall in Parkersburg, where health care can be integrated with other community support services.

Patients can schedule an appointment to be seen on one of the mobile units by calling Coplin’s mobile health line at 304-440-5150.

In September, a team from Coplin completed the three-day Mission Mobile Medical Operator Certification training, which equipped them to lead the day-to-day operation of Coplin’s mobile units and to safely drive, set up and maintain the mobile unit.

Completing the certification training were Clinical Software Coordinator Tom Freeland, Director of Behavioral Health Sarah Cassedy, Family Nurse Practitioner Kenna Wagner and Dr. Darrin Nichols, chief medical officer.

“We are excited to grow our mobile health services with the addition of this new unit,” said Nichols. “We’re now better able to bring compassionate, integrated health services directly to people who might otherwise struggle to access care. Through our mobile health services, we can help keep them healthy, supported and connected to the resources they need.”

To access the upcoming location schedule for Coplin Health Services’ mobile units, visit www.coplinhealth.com/events/.