In Minneapolis, a mobile van rolls out with health care outreach to kids

“When the pandemic began, clinics had limited access, and families were anxious and reluctant about in-person visits,” said Dr. Dawn Martin, a Hennepin Healthcare pediatrician. “So many of the families we work with already had barriers related to transportation, work schedules and childcare, and that situation became even more severe as things were shutting down.”

“I give big kudos to our outreach nurse and our community partners — health advocates, school nurses, public health nurses and community health workers,” Sheyanga Beecher said. “They help in identifying students, contacting families, answering questions and just generally serving as that ‘trusted face in a trusted space.’”