MARCO Mobile Medicine Brings Care Closer to Home

For many families across Appalachia, a doctor’s appointment can mean taking time off work, arranging transportation, traveling winding mountain roads and spending hours on the road for a visit. It’s a challenge familiar to generations of West Virginians, particularly those living in rural communities where access to specialty care can be limited. 

Today, Marshall Health Network is helping change that story. 

Through MARCO Mobile Medicine, a state-of-the-art mobile medical unit is bringing health care directly to the communities that need it most, meeting patients where they live, learn and work. The 38-foot mobile clinic features two private exam rooms, a telemedicine suite, blood draw area, waiting room and restroom, allowing patients to receive care in a convenient and familiar setting. 

The mobile unit travels throughout Marshall Health Network’s 40-county service area, helping address transportation barriers and expand access to care in rural and underserved communities. Through both in-person visits and virtual consultations with specialists, “MARCO’s Bus” helps make health care more accessible, more personal and more connected. 

“Access to care remains one of the greatest challenges in rural health,” said Adam Franks, MD, CPE, professor and vice dean for rural health at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and board-certified family medicine physician at Marshall Health Network. “Through telehealth, mobile medicine and community partnerships, we’re helping ensure patients across rural Appalachia can receive high-quality care closer to home.” 

Meeting Communities Where They Are 

Since its launch, MARCO Mobile Medicine has become a familiar sight at community events across the region. From senior health fairs and oral cancer screenings to school events, sports physicals, athletic competitions and outreach programs serving vulnerable populations, the mobile unit is helping connect West Virginians with preventive care, health education and specialty services closer to home. 

Recent outreach efforts have included partnerships with the A.D. Lewis Community Center’s end-of-school-year block party and community health fair, Marshall Medical Outreach programs serving individuals experiencing homelessness, oral cancer screenings at the Ranger Senior Center and senior health fairs throughout the region. The MARCO team has also supported student-athletes through sports physicals and event coverage, including the Logan Tennis Tournament. 

Through partnerships with local organizations, schools and community groups, MARCO Mobile Medicine continues to respond to the unique needs of the communities it serves. Whether providing preventive screenings, health education, specialty consultations or connections to additional services, the mobile unit helps reduce barriers to care while strengthening the health of communities throughout the region. 

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, MARCO Mobile Medicine works with community partners to identify local needs and deliver services that make the greatest impact. 

The unit’s services may include pediatric cardiology care, adolescent gynecological care, cancer screenings, general health screenings, occupational medicine, orthopaedic services and child advocacy support, depending on the needs of each community it serves. 

“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.” 

A West Virginia Solution 

Made possible through community project funding secured by U.S. Rep. Carol Miller through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, along with matching funds from Marshall Health Network, MARCO Mobile Medicine represents an important investment in the health of rural and underserved communities throughout southern West Virginia. 

In just its first year, MARCO Mobile Medicine has participated in community health fairs, school events, athletic competitions and outreach programs across the region, helping bring care closer to home for West Virginians. 

As West Virginians celebrate West Virginia Day, MARCO Mobile Medicine serves as a reminder that innovation doesn’t always happen inside a hospital or clinic. 

It happens when healthcare meets people where they are. 

One mile. One patient. One community at a time. 

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