FARMINGTON – The Davis Family Foundation has awarded the Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) a $19,850 grant to obtain four pieces of equipment to expand free health screenings on the mobile health unit.

The equipment includes an ultrasonometer that screens for bone density in children and adults; an analyzer that will enable staff to screen an extra 250 people a year for blood cholesterol levels; an additional computer to operate multiple media platforms at the media station for better education; and a clinical laptop that will allow the organization to deploy an additional nurse/health educator and screen 250 more people a year.

The mobile unit travels to various sites throughout greater Franklin County to provide comprehensive, community-based health promotion, education, outreach and prevention for residents of West Central Maine. Health screenings and free programs are provided to anyone, regardless of income level or status.

“It is anticipated that the demand for free health services and access to prevention resources services will continue to grow with the economic downturn and budgetary constraints in the community,” said Heather Davis, Healthy Community Coalition executive director. “Low-income individuals often lack a regular source of medical care, are less likely to receive appropriate preventive screenings and are more likely to be hospitalized for conditions, which could be treated in primary care settings.”

Healthy Community Coalition is the only provider of free screenings available on a walk-in basis to anyone in the community.

For more information, contact Davis at 779-2924.

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