SNOHOMISH COUNTY–This week, the public will get its first look at the new Snohomish County Health Department Health on Wheels Van—a state-of-the-art mobile unit designed to deliver vital preventive health services directly to the people who need them most. With this new van, care is no longer limited by location, transportation, or circumstance. Whether it’s a vaccine, a health screening, or a conversation that leads to healing, this van represents a powerful commitment: everyone in Snohomish County deserves access to quality care, regardless of where they live.
“This is a great opportunity for SHD and our staff to be out in the community, for us to be more visible,” said Pia Sampaga-Khim, Assistant Director for Preventive Services at the Snohomish County Health Department. “It’s really important for us to be serving folks who don’t have access.”
Equipped with modern medical tools and staffed by compassionate professionals, the Health on Wheels Van can vaccinate up to 25 people per hour and screen up to four individuals per hour for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a private, respectful setting. The van also serves as a platform for education on injury and violence prevention and other health topics that empower people to take control of their well-being.
The van itself is a reflection of thoughtful design and adaptability. Outfitted with a vaccine refrigeration system, privacy partitions, monitors for patient care, and a backup generator, it is ready to meet the needs of communities across the county—from urban neighborhoods to remote rural areas, schools to shelters, festivals to farms.
“During COVID, we learned important lessons about what happens when people can’t easily access care, especially in more remote or underserved parts of our community,” said Dennis Worsham, Director of the Snohomish County Health Department. “We care deeply about the health and well-being of our residents, and we’re committed to meeting people where they are with the services they need to stay protected from preventable disease. We’re incredibly grateful to have received grant funding that made our new Health on Wheels van possible. The risk of permanently losing the State Department of Health’s Care-A-Van due to federal cuts highlights the importance of filling gaps in mobile services across Washington. While our van doesn’t replace the statewide program, it allows us to continue reaching Snohomish County residents who face barriers to care. We hope to see broader investments in mobile health infrastructure restored so that all communities in Washington can benefit.”
“Growing up, my mom worked for our local health department,” said Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers. “I remember going in to get immunizations, and it’s very much appreciated by the community when we go out to them and serve them where they live and where they work. We’re proud to launch this mobile van and continue our efforts to promote healthy, thriving communities.”
The Health on Wheels Van will join the Snohomish Pride Parade on June 7, please note there will be no services offered that day. On June 21, the van will be at the Everett Pride Block Party, offering mpox and HPV vaccinations as well as rapid HIV testing. The van will ultimately offer more than just vaccines and health screenings; it will provide health education, and other responsive services tailored to each community’s unique needs. Because health isn’t just about hospitals and clinics— it’s about delivering care in the ways and places people need it most.
Source: Snohomish County Health Department
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
