Santa Fe County, N.M., Van Delivers Checkups

Jul. 23–Santa Fe County residents who want free health checkups and better access to health care on a tight budget should keep their eyes peeled for a 40-foot-long white Winnebago cruising through town.

Angela Thorndyke, a registered nurse, travels to a different location in Santa Fe County each week. Most days, a Spanish-speaking assistant is on board the Mobile Health Fair Van, which has two examination rooms.

On its first stop this month, the van was stationed a week at Edgewood Senior Center. Next week, it’s headed to the Pojoaque grocery store. And in August, a senior center in Chimayo will be the destination.

The new service, designed to reach low-income residents, is provided by Santa Fe County, St. Vincent Regional Medical Center and Presbyterian Medical Services. More than 40 people have dropped in since the van hit the road July 11.

Thorndyke said she can take your blood pressure, help you find affordable health care and register you for Medicaid. Staff on the van will even call to make an appointment for you and help find you transportation.

The program also holds classes, ranging from exercise tips to diabetes education. “Today, I taught a chair-exercise class,” said Thorndyke, who was spent time at senior centers in Santa Fe this week.

All year long, she will make the rounds to various parts of the county. Before driving up to a new place, Mobile Health Fair Van staff post fliers ahead of time to announce their arrival.

The van will be featured at the Santa Fe County Fair, Aug. 11-14. To schedule a visit to your community or to find out more, call Thorndyke at 660-9184.

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