Medical suppliers roll in to rural communities the place well being care entry is restricted – KSAT San Antonio

NATALIA, Texas – South Texas Rural Well being Providers noticed an elevated want in the course of the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to roll in medical providers to rural cities the place well being care is way wanted. Nevertheless, the lack of understanding remains to be a problem in these communities.

Anissa Ramirez mentioned she wasn’t feeling effectively throughout work and was capable of depart her job at Natalia ISD and be seen by a nurse with out having to drive miles to a clinic.

“It’s very handy that I didn’t should exit of my option to go get checked out or something,” she mentioned.

Ramirez mentioned she often drives an hour to San Antonio to be seen by a well being care supplier. However on today, it was as straightforward as strolling out to the cellular unit parked exterior the college district.

“It’s handy for anyone who doesn’t have rapid entry to a health care provider,” she mentioned.

Ana Zamora, chief improvement officer with South Texas Rural Well being Providers, mentioned whereas it’s an important comfort, getting the phrase out hasn’t been as straightforward.

“We service a number of rural counties in South Texas, and we do have clinic websites. However in between these counties, there’s different small cities that don’t have clinics,” she defined.

The cellular models began as a service to communities in the course of the pandemic. However they’ve continued to supply pictures, wellness checks, and now even psychological well being providers as a result of the necessity is nice in rural areas, Zamora mentioned.

“In rural communities, folks battle with transportation. There’s a number of people that dwell on ranches, that dwell out of the internal city space. So to have them journey to the closest clinic typically is a burden,” she mentioned.

The South Texas Rural Well being Providers monthly calendar lists locations the place the cellular unit could be discovered and the sorts of providers sufferers can get.

The areas embrace Cotulla, Natalia, Carrizo Springs, and Dilley ISDs campuses as a part of a partnership between medical suppliers and organizations like UIW and the College of Texas.