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New mobile health clinic serving those most in need
health clinic
Some of the services the new mobile health clinic provides include primary care visits, acute care, well child visit, physicals, vaccines and mental health counseling (Photo contributed).

United Samaritans Foundation executive director Linda Murphy-Julien said she was heartened to see a mother, son and his grandfather at the N. Broadway facility early Tuesday morning to take advantage of a new free mobile health clinic program.

USF is just one stop for the new mobile medical and behavioral health care services being provided in Turlock as part of a one-year contract with the City and Community Health Centers of America. The Council approved the pilot medical and mental health services program in November 2022 at a cost of $450,000 a year, which the City will pay out of American Rescue Plan Act funds for the first year.

The clinic rotates its location throughout the city on a weekly basis. Tuesday was the first time the clinic was located at USF.

The program is much needed in the area, said Murphy-Julien, who said having the service available during a food box pick-up day allowed for more people to learn about it.

“We’re doing 1,500 meals a day because people are making the decision to buy a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk or fill their car with fuel. They can’t do it all. Prices have gone up, everything’s crazy. So, what’s the first thing you’re gonna put back? ‘Oh, I don’t feel good, but it’s okay. More importantly, can I eat today? And do I have a place to sleep?’ Those are all things that are going on with the people that I see. So, it’s really nice to be able to know that they can get some decent healthcare and it seems, from what I saw today, that it’s going to be a real positive shot in the arm for the westside,” she said.

Some of the services CHCA provide include primary care visits, acute care, well child visit, physicals, vaccines and mental health counseling. Prescribed medications are provided through TIN Rx. For anyone without insurance there is no charge. For people with insurance, they will be provided needed medication and their copay will be waived. All services are provided by a CHCA Nurse Practitioner.

February clinic hours and locations are:

  • 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feb. 7 — United Samaritans Foundation, 220 S. Broadway
  • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14 — Salvation Army, 893 Lander Ave.
  • 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 14 — Westside Ministries, 952 Columbia Ave.
  • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21 — Monte Vista Chapel, 1619 Monte Vista Ave.
  • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 28 — United Samaritans Foundation, 220 S. Broadway

Walk-ins are welcome, however, mental health services and vaccinations are available by appointment only. For more information, call (209) 733-9360.