To expand locations where Wasatch Front residents can be tested for COVID-19, the University of Utah Health Wellness Bus has been outfitted for virus testing. The 40-foot specially-designed RV was designed to travel to underserved neighborhoods to provide health consultations, screening, and education as part of the Larry H. & Gail Miller Family Foundation’s Driving Out Diabetes Initiative. With pandemic safety in mind, regular operations at the Wellness Bus have been suspended. Now, COVID-19 testing is available.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to help our communities in this way” said U of U Health Chief Wellness Officer Robin Marcus, PT, PhD. “The Wellness Bus is a trusted community partner and our staff is known in these neighborhoods. We hope that individuals who meet testing criteria will feel safe and welcome to get tested for the virus at the Bus.”
Marcus said getting the Wellness Bus ready for COVID-19 testing so quickly was a huge team effort with U of U Health colleagues and the Utah Department of Health. She called it, “A real testament to our commitment to serve people from all sectors of the community.”