RUMFORD – Tom Gallant checked into the blue and white Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute wellness van to have his cholesterol level checked.

He was one of dozens who take advantage of a variety of free or low-cost health screenings offered by Central Maine Medical Center each month in Mexico, and every other month in Rumford.

“I saw the ad in the newspaper and thought I’d check on the condition of my heart,” he said.

Nurse Donna Jordan went over his application, just as she does with the many others who come to the van.

“We work for prevention and outreach,” she said. “The goal of Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute is to improve the health of the community. We want to go where the people are.”

Gallant had his cholesterol checked for a $10 fee. Results, which are available in five minutes, can be forwarded to the person’s regular medical provider.

Blood pressure checks and bone density screenings are free.

The van’s visit to the Hannaford parking lot on Wednesday is the institute’s most recent initiative to go where the people are. It first paid a visit there in July, and will now offer its services on the third Wednesday of every other month. The next date is Nov. 17.

People may get the same services a few miles down the road at the Wal-Mart parking lot in Mexico on the fourth Wednesday of every month.