Golisano Children’s rolls out pediatric mobile clinic

Golisano Children’s pediatric mobile clinic aims to bring quality care to children in the city of Rochester and surrounding communities. The Pediatric Mobile Clinic Initiative launched Wednesday.

The mobile clinic will travel to schools, community centers, shelters and organizations that serve youth. 

“This mobile clinic represents a transformational step in how we deliver pediatric care,” says LJ Shipley, M.D,, vice chair for regional pediatrics and population health at Golisano Children’s. “We are meeting families where they are, removing barriers, and ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstance, has access to essential health care, connection to long-term primary care, and a path to lifelong health.” 

The initiative was developed in coordination with New York City-based Children’s Health Fund. Arturo Brito M.D., president and CEO, says the organization is proud to work with Golisano Children’s to “bring quality health care to children and families in need in the Greater Rochester community.” 

The program will provide well-child visits, immunizations, primary care support, and other essential services. With these visits, Pediatric Mobile Clinic Initiative hopes to improve long-term health outcomes.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to receive consistent, high-quality care close to home,” says Jill Halterman M.D., physician-in-chief of Golisano Children’s. “By bringing services into trusted community settings, we can build relationships, identify needs early, and support children and families in ways that are personal and sustainable.” 

Children and adolescents up to age 21 can access services, regardless of insurance or housing situation, officials say. The initiative will begin in the city and hopes to eventually expand across Monroe County with community partnerships.

Officials stress the initiative’s collaborative approach. Health care providers, community-based organizations and a community family and youth advisory board helped shape the program. 

“In the best of circumstances, young people don’t put their health at the top of their priority list, relying on the adults around them to ensure routine checkups and immediate care when a health issue arises,” says Val Douglas, director of counseling and runaway and homeless youth services at the Center for Youth Services. “When access to that care is complicated by factors such as housing instability for a young person or their family, basic and even critical care can be delayed or missed entirely. 

“A mobile medical unit placed at locations young people already frequent and trust, like the Center for Youth, goes a long way toward addressing those complications and reducing barriers to the important health care everyone deserves.”   

With the initiative, University of Rochester Medicine’s Golisano Children’s is taking a step toward advancing pediatric health equity, officials say. The mobile unit will visit city locations through the summer and fall. Locations will be updated online.

Smriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. 

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