In 1998, Kerry’s Kids’ volunteers worked with the Oakland Head Start Program, to identify various sites in the community that may be in need of the services of a mobile health clinic. The sites identified included homeless shelters, residential drug rehabilitation facilities for mothers and children, and a refuge for battered women. Kerry’s Kids continues to evaluate new sites that may have children in need of visits by a mobile health clinic.

All of the health care delivery and health education is done by volunteers. Kerry’s Kids’ volunteers engage in three primary activities during monthly site visits, community activities and health fairs:

1. WELL-CHILD CARE, VACCINATIONS, AND MINOR ACUTE CARE OF CHILDREN

• Well-child care includes routine physical exams, immunizations, hearing, vision and anemia and lead screening. Vaccines are acquired through the California Vaccines for Children Program, a federally funded, state-operated vaccine supply program for uninsured and Medicaid eligible children.
• Minor acute care includes diagnosis and treatment of upper respiratory infections, ear infections, sore throats, asthma, abdominal pain and other minor illnesses.
• Letters are sent to a child’s primary care provider, if there is one, to help foster existing medical homes, develop continuity of care, and to keep their medical records up to date.

2. HEALTH EDUCATION

An important part of pediatrics is the heath education given to parents to help prevent health problems or identify medical needs early.

• Physicians talk with parents about issues that may impact their child.
• Volunteers provide brochures and books regarding health, hygiene, and the human body.
• Children receive donated items such as toothbrushes and age-appropriate children’s books.

3. PATIENT ADVOCACY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCE REFERRAL

• Volunteers assist eligible families to enroll in Medi-Cal and Healthy Families insurance programs, which provide low cost or no cost health insurance.
• A resource list for indigent medical services such as optometrists, dentists, and HIV testing has been created to help families get the medical care they need.