Jefferson Health has launched its newest health unit on wheels: the Mobile Health Care Coach.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks, health system leaders turned the key and started the engine that will fuel increased health care access throughout Northampton County.

The motor coach is equipped with two exam rooms where patients can get vaccines, blood work and tests. There is also virtual care technology so patients can connect with their clinicians from afar.

“The Health Care Coach provides many of the same state-of-the-art technologies found in primary care, JeffExpress or ExpressCARE offices,” said Eric Bean, DO, emergency medicine physician.

The coach can partner with schools at health events and with businesses to launch employer-empowered wellness initiatives. It can bridge the gap to primary care services and allow services to be delivered where health care access is geographically challenging or economically disproportionate.

“Everyone deserves to be cared for, and we aim to overcome barriers by bringing care directly to residents through the Health Care Coach,” said Lisa Liddington, chief operating officer, Lehigh Valley Hospital–Hecktown Oaks.

The unit can be utilized at specialty and community events, too.

“We look forward to giving countless community members the high-quality care they need, when and where they need it,” said Baligh R. Yehia, MD, MPP, MSc, president of Jefferson Health.

The Mobile Health Care Coach is the latest example of Jefferson Health driving top-quality care directly to the community. Mobile mammography coaches offer women across the region a convenient way to be screened for breast cancer. The Miles of Smiles van, part of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, travels to schools to provide dental care for students.