Marshall launches “Marco” mobile medical unit to expand rural access to health care

HAMLIN, W.Va. – The Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University and Marshall Health Network (MHN) celebrated the launch of the “Marco” mobile medical unit with a ribbon cutting today at Lincoln County Opportunity Company in Hamlin. 

The 38-foot mobile medical unit includes two fully-equipped exam rooms, blood draw area, telehealth capabilities, waiting area and restroom. It will travel throughout MHN’s 40-county service area to provide care tailored to the unique health needs of each community it visits.  

“Marco Mobile Medicine is designed to be flexible and responsive —meeting patients and health care partners where they are and responding to the needs of each community we serve,” said Beth L. Hammers, M.B.A., chief engagement officer for Marshall Health Network and vice dean for administration at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “Our focus is on filling gaps in care, not duplicating what’s already available. By listening to local input and using real data, we can ensure the right services reach the right people.” 

“Access to care continues to be one of the greatest challenges in rural health,” said Scott Raynes, president and CEO of Marshall Health Network. “By addressing transportation barriers and bringing care directly where it’s needed—whether in person or through telehealth—Marco Mobile Medicine helps improve early detection, strengthen chronic disease management and give more West Virginians the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.” 

Made possible through community project funding secured by Congresswoman Carol D. Miller through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with matching funds from Marshall Health Network, the new unit represents a significant step toward improving access to care for rural and underserved communities across southern West Virginia. 

“I am proud to support the Marco Mobile Medicine Unit and was happy to have secured federal funds to help make this project possible,” Miller said. “The dedicated teams at Marshall Health Network and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine are doing incredible work providing quality health care to our rural communities.” 

The mobile unit will offer a wide range of services including cardiology care for early detection and management of chronic conditions; women’s health services, including routine and high-risk appointments; cancer screenings and prevention through the Edwards Cancer Institute; occupational medicine services for regional employers; orthopaedic and sports medicine support at community events; pediatric specialty care through Hoops Family Children’s Hospital; and child advocacy services for children affected by trauma. 

David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), vice president for health affairs at Marshall University and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, said the initiative exemplifies the school’s commitment to rural health and education.  

“The Marco mobile unit will do more than provide care—it will be a vehicle of connection, bringing the resources of our academic health system directly to the community,” Gozal said. “Resident physicians, fellows and students will play an active role in delivering care while gaining meaningful, hands-on learning experiences in community health. Marco Mobile Medicine carries important work forward—one mile, one patient and one community at a time.” 

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees had the opportunity to tour the mobile unit, explore its advanced features and see firsthand how patients will be able to connect virtually with MHN specialists. 

In conjunction with the event, the School of Medicine and Marshall Health Network provided complimentary health screenings and sponsored five days of meals for seniors in Lincoln and Wayne counties through The Opportunity Company. 

For more information about the Marco mobile unit, please visit marshallhealth.org/MARCO or call 681.77.MARCO (62726).  

Photos: https://www.smugmug.com/app/organize/Events/2025-Events/Marco-Mobile-Unit-Ribbon-Cutting-Ceremony