Health Fair Features New BHS Van
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The $300,000 vehicle, funded in part by a $230,000 grant, was received by Berkshire Health Systems last November.
Equipped with two examination rooms, supplies and wheelchair access, the van offers free health screenings and quick access to insurance enrollment.
Patient care coordinator Michelle Hiel says it takes about 15 minutes to enroll in a health plan, now required by Massachusetts law.
Hiel has a laptop handy for anyone who needs to enroll, and stresses the importance of being covered. "If you have to pay upfront for care, many people aren't going to go to the doctor when they should," she said.
Bruce Ryan, driver and coordinator of the vehicle, said it was the first time the van had ventured this far north in Berkshire County. Since it went on the road, the vehicle has been used at various health and senior centers, as well as shopping centers and housing areas.
Most of Berkshire Health Systems various affiliates, such as Fairview Hospital, are in the southern and central part of the county. Williamstown Commons on Adams Road is Berkshire Health Systems' northern most asset.
"We're just letting people know that these services are available," said Hiel. "Our mission is to be able to serve the people of Berkshire County."
The van goes out four times a week; click here for its schedule.
The health fair was to mark World Health Day. Judy Bombardier, director of admissions and community outreach at Williamstown Commons, said offering screenings and information was an important part of the center's role in the community.
