Innovative Mobile Clinic Brings Vital Health Services to South Suburbs

Initiative by The Link and Option Center

After years of advocacy, The Link and Option Center’s Twin Green has made a significant impact by independently funding a mobile clinic initiative. The clinic’s purpose is to offer health services to underserved communities in the south suburbs. Green’s determined effort has transformed a vision into reality.

Launching the Mobile Clinic

Named Carry, the bus is set to offer important health services starting this month. Its target is 2,000 mental health screenings and 300 to 500 maternal health visits annually. Green, through hard work and private donations, secured $600,000 to launch the clinic, while seeking additional support from officials to raise another $900,000 for sustained operation.

“I couldn’t wait on that.” – Twin Green

The mobile clinic will focus on areas in the south suburbs such as Harvey, Dolton, Riverdale, and others, rotating through these communities four days a week. Partnerships with municipalities and healthcare entities, including Thornton Township and Cook County Health, have been established to host the clinic.

Comprehensive Services Offered

Carry is well-equipped to deliver a range of health services, including prenatal screenings, maternal wellness checks, mental health assessments, postpartum depression screening, addiction support, and more. It ensures care for individuals regardless of insurance coverage. Additionally, a mobile crisis response van will assist the clinic by providing immediate behavioral crisis support.

Community Inspiration

Witnessing community challenges, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled Green’s initiative for the mobile clinic. Seeing local residents in need energized her to overcome healthcare access barriers by delivering services directly to them.

“Turning a high effort visit into a low effort visit — this is what it’s about.” – Twin Green

Support and Advocacy

Local leaders, including State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin and others, have publicly supported the clinic’s cause. Donna Miller emphasized the importance of increasing Black healthcare professionals, citing data that reflects underrepresentation in the medical field. The call for federal funding to address community mental health needs remains ongoing.

• Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan
• Cook County Commissioners Kisha McCaskill and Donna Miller

Efforts to transform healthcare delivery in these communities continue to gain traction, driven by committed individuals like Green and supportive local authorities.