Story by Ainsley Hall
MARTINSBURG — Shenandoah Community Health’s (SCH) mobile health unit has started serving schools throughout Berkeley County. Three days a week they visit different schools providing on-site health care for students and staff. Through the mobile unit kids can get the health care they need without missing school.
SCH is the ninth health center in West Virginia to have a mobile unit to help provide health care to people throughout the area. During the pandemic, SCH had a grant opportunity and received funds for the mobile unit. The vehicle is 8.5 feet wide and 36 feet long and includes two examination rooms, a restroom and a waiting area for patients. Through the mobile unit, SCH can better support migrant and homeless people throughout the community by bringing the clinic to them.
As a part of Berkeley County’s school-based health program, the mobile unit has visited and served seven different schools, including Martinsburg North Middle School. Heather Eckenrode, family nurse practitioner, and Andrea Jenkins, licensed practical nurse, work together to support both students and staff. They provide regular check-ups for kids who can’t visit the doctor and sport physicals for athletes.
“We enjoy doing something for the community,” Jenkins said. “We’re giving them something new that we didn’t have before.”
