Cardinal Dolan Blesses New Mobile Health Care Center

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Goshen, NY - New York Archbishop Cardinal Timothy Dolan joined officials from HRHCare and ArchCare June 29 to unveil a new archdiocese-sponsored mobile health center that will deliver a broad array of primary care and other essential health services to agricultural workers, the frail elderly and other underserved groups across the Hudson Valley regardless of their ability to pay.

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“HRHCare values reaching beyond our walls into the community to ensure all people have access to affordable quality health care,” said HRHCare President and CEO Anne Nolon in the announcement. “We are thrilled to work in partnership with ArchCare and are particularly pleased that Cardinal Dolan was able to join us and bless this new mobile health center as it prepares to go out and fulfill our collective goal. This mobile medical center is another exciting step in our 40-year journey to make the Hudson Valley healthier and more vibrant for all its residents.”

The mobile health center is funded by ArchCare, the healthcare ministry of the Archdiocese of New York, and will be staffed and operated by Hudson Valley-based HRHCare, one of the nation’s largest community health systems.

“ArchCare and HRHCare have long shared a mission of ministering to the health and social needs of those most in need of care,” ArchCare President and CEO Scott LaRue said.

The 33-foot health center on wheels will bring health care directly to people who often forego needed medical attention due to lack of transportation, limited funds or the inability to leave work without jeopardizing their livelihoods.

The plan is to have it travel throughout the lower Hudson Valley, visiting farms, community agencies, parishes and other faith communities, and other locations, to deliver care, provide health education and connect patients to ongoing services at HRHCare local health centers. The mobile health center is expected to serve more than 1,800 patients annually throughout the region.

Cardinal Dolan blessed the mobile center at a ceremony attended by more than 100 faith leaders, HRHCare staff and leadership, elected officials and patients of HRHCare.

“These talented medical professionals can now go and meet people right where they are, with the quality health services they deserve and often desperately need,” Cardinal Dolan said at the Black Dirt Region ceremony. “People with chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease no longer have to suffer simply because they cannot physically get to a healthcare facility. Nor will they have to choose any more between feeding their families and getting proper medical attention for themselves and their loved ones.”

Details of the partnership and a schedule of the mobile health center’s upcoming locations will be available atwww.hrhcare.org/mobilehealth or by calling 1-844-HRH-Care (1-844-474-2273).

“Our mission has always been to make sure that vulnerable populations, who otherwise would not have access to care, have convenient access to quality care,” added Hon. Alan Steiner, HRHCare board chairman. “This new mobile health center is another example of our commitment to ‘access for all,’ and that if you can’t get to us, we will come to you.”

PHOTO: From left: Ssr. Kay Seibert; Rev. Jeannette Phillips, HRHCare Founding Mother; Hon. Alan Steiner, HRHCare Board Chair; Anne Kauffman Nolon, HRHCare President and CEO; Cardinal Timothy Dolan; ArchCare President and CEO Scott LaRue/contributed