|
|
|
|
|
New health van arrives
by Charles S. Williams
(Photo caption) Charles S. Williams/staff photo-MESH VAN-The rear of the new MESH van (top photo) is a tribute to fallen veterans Chris Thompson (left) and Larry J. Bauguess Jr. (right).
The Wilkes County Health Department has taken delivery of its new Mobile Expanded School Health (MESH) van, which will be on the road in time for the 2009-10 school year.
The van and staff offer basic medical services to students at the five county high schools who otherwise might not have access to medical care and counseling. Sports physicals for the four county middle schools will also be offered during the year.
The final cost for the van was $291,542. Of that amount, $20,000 came from the Wilkes County Schools, with $25,000 from the Wilkes County government. There was a $3,000 state grant, $100,000 grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust, and a grant from the Cannon Foundation for $25,000. The remaining amount—approximately $118,542—is being raised by the The Health Foundation from community supporters.
Striking exterior
The exterior of the van is a vinyl "wrap," and the colors and patterns were designed with input from local high school students. It includes stars, the health department name and websites, a list of services that are offered, and acknowledgement to The Health Foundation.
But it's the rear of the 40-foot mobile unit that this far has drawn the most interest and attention.
That section is a tribute to Navy Medical Corpsman Chris "Doc" Thompson, who was killed in Iraq on Oct. 21, 2005, and Army Major Larry J. Bauguess Jr., who was killed on May 14, 2007, while on a mission in Pakistan.
Pictures of the two—with Thompson in his North Wilkes football uniform and Bauguess in his Wilkes Central baseball uniform—are on the back along with brief biographical information. Between the two is the "Pledge of Allegiance," which is superimposed over an American flag flying at half-staff.
The company that built the van, Matthews Specialty Vehicles of Greensboro, took the unit to Las Vegas for a trade show. In return, they gave the health department a $10,000 discount.
Beth Lovette, the director of the health department, said "The Matthews representatives said that people who passed would wave and blow their horns, and that crowds would assemble every time they stopped at a rest area or convenience store. Along parts of the way, they said that groups of motorcyclists rode in front of and behind the unit as an escort. I think everyone was truly moved."
Pictures from their high school years were selected for the back since the unit is designed primarily for students in grades 9-12 here.
More space than current unit
Health officials will use the older unit for the remainder of the school year.
"We may send the unit out some this summer for sports physicals," said Mrs. Lovette, "but we want to roll it out in style at the start of the school year."
The health department currently offers services to 1,200-1,300 school students each year. The old van is a recreational vehicle that was retro-fitted for use as a health examination unit. The new van is 4 feet longer, and is also wider.
"This unit was specially designed for us," Mrs. Lovette added. "We have a private exam unit which is separated by a door from the other areas. Before, there was only a curtain, so students could overhear most everything that was going on."
Also, the new van has leveling and stabilization arms that keep it from rocking when people enter, leave or move around in the van.
"Now we will be able to draw blood, among other things," said Mrs. Lovette.
The center area of the van is a clerical area for records. The health department has installed wireless computer hubs at each of the schools so that records can be obtained and updated instantly. There is also a waiting area.
The driver's seat can be swiveled 180 degrees so that it can be used for staff members to speak with and counsel students.
Also, the unit has a new heating and air conditioning unit in order to maintain a constant temperature, even overnight. That means that the staff can leave lab equipment onboard overnight. A large door and lift in the exam room will provide better handicapped access.
The staff members are: Sarcanda Green, registered public health nurse; Sandy McCall, medical office assistant; and Melissa Black, MESH Outreach supervisor. All have their CDL licenses and can drive the unit.
Heather Murphy, the executive director of The Health Foundation, was in charge of overseeing the design for the exterior graphics. She also designed the tribute on the rear. She noted that Chris Thompson's father, Larry, is the former finance manager for The Health Foundation while Larry Bauguess's mother, Martha, worked at Wilkes Transportation Authority, which is located adjacent to the foundation offices.
"Larry and Chris were close to our hearts," said Mrs. Murphy. "Our (foundation) board chose this way to honor these fine young men.
"We want the students to see the Pledge and to know that the freedoms we enjoy did not come without a price. This is our way of showing our respect for these families and to all who served."
Parents comment
Larry Thompson said, "We're very proud of what has been done, and it really looks wonderful. Everyone who has seen it has been amazed."
Martha Bauguess said that she and her family "are very pleased. This is a way to call attention to their sacrifices and to bring patriotism to the forefront. It's fitting that they had a photo of Larry in his baseball uniform. One of the officers told us that Larry always brought a bat, ball and two gloves to every deployment." |
|
|
|
|
