McLaren Macomb, a comprehensive healthcare provider serving all of Macomb County, has debuted its updated and larger mobile Medical Outreach Clinic, or MOC, to the benefit of the uninsured and medically underserved population of the county. A large vehicle described as a “doctor’s office on wheels,” the MOC travels to various locations throughout Macomb County, parking to provide primary care needs to those seeking treatment.
McLaren Macomb’s Medical Outreach Clinic program began more than 25 years ago with the original vehicle staffed with physicians providing a full range of primary care services – screenings, treatments for chronic conditions, diagnosis and initial treatments for illnesses.
Patients are provided these services at no cost.
“As a healthcare provider, we recognize the responsibility we have to care for the well-being of our community and those who call it home,” said Tom Brisse, McLaren Macomb president and CEO. “The selflessness and humanitarian spirit of the staff that runs the Medical Outreach Clinic program makes all of us in this organization proud to be associated with it. We are grateful to now be in the position to continue this extraordinary program for many years to come.”
The new vehicle features increased size, adding more than 10 feet from the original MOC, allowing for additional treatment space and expanded services. For the first time, the program will now include dental services thanks to a partnership from the Delta Dental Foundation and Baker College.
“The motivation of beginning and continuing this program has never been to gain anything, but rather to give,” said Dr. Richard Chalmers, family physician and medical director of the MOC. “We’re here to give access to medical care by bringing the physicians to them. We’re motivated by being good stewards to our community, and to provide in every way we can for its overall well-being.”
Gifts and fundraising efforts made the purchase of the new MOC possible. Contributions were made from the employees and medical staff at McLaren Macomb, Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Rotary Club of Mount Clemens and Delta Dental Foundation.
Holli Seabury, executive director of Delta Dental Foundation:
“This mobile unit is an innovative way to deliver both medical and dental care to an underserved population. The Delta Dental Foundation is always pleased to fund thoughtful projects like this, and we look forward to seeing the impact the mobile unit will have in the community.”
Andrea Amalfitano, DO, Ph.D., dean of MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine:
“Providing quality and compassionate health care to ALL people is at the core of what we believe in as osteopathic physicians. This mobile clinic represents better access to care for those who need it most and will serve as a vital part of not only our community outreach efforts but as valuable primary care experience for our DO students.”
Valerie Miller, president of Rotary Club of Mount Clemens:
“Rotary Club of Mount Clemens has been dedicated and devoted in serving our community for over 100 years. We have been able to assist nonprofits with over $75,000 during this pandemic. One of our dynamic mottos is ‘Service Above Self.’ We are pleased and excited to donate toward McLaren’s new Medical Outreach Clinic. We are committed to helping others in need.”
Pam Yager, director of Social Mission, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan:
“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is proud to help Macomb individuals in need of care by supporting the new McLaren Macomb mobile Medical Outreach Clinic. The Medical Outreach Clinic is a trusted provider who is using innovative methods to reach patients and provide physical and dental care. Having access to a trusted provider improves health, reduces health disparities and lowers health care costs.”
Learn more about the history of McLaren Macomb’s Medical Outreach Clinic program and how it benefits the community at mclaren.org/macombmoc.
About McLaren Macomb
McLaren Macomb is a 288-bed acute care hospital located in Mount Clemens, Mich. More than 400 physicians and nearly 2,000 employees work at McLaren Macomb making it one of Macomb County’s top employers. McLaren Macomb provides a full range of services, including cancer and cardiovascular care. As Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, the hospital operates the busiest emergency department in Macomb County and is also an accredited chest pain center. McLaren Macomb has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care and holds a strong position in the community it serves. To learn more, visit mclaren.org/macomb or follow our blog mclaren.org/macombblog.
About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a $6 billion, fully integrated health care delivery system committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 15 hospitals in Michigan and Ohio, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 490-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 588,000 lives in Michigan and Indiana, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. McLaren has 28,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 90,000 network providers throughout Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Learn more at mclaren.org.