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Wellmobiles Head to Alabama to Help with Hurricane Relief

September 8, 2005

Baltimore, Md. – Two Wellmobiles from the University of Maryland School of Nursing's Governor's Wellmobile Program left for Montgomery, Ala., Wednesday, Sept. 7, where they will provide primary health care to victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Wellmobiles will report directly to the American Red Cross Headquarters in Montgomery, where they will stay for two weeks, serving approximately 7,000 displaced hurricane victims.

Stocked to the brim with medical supplies and other necessities, the Wellmobiles departed from the School of Nursing with Rebecca Wiseman, PhD, RN, director of the Wellmobile program, leading the way. In addition to Dr. Wiseman, four more RNs, one of whom is a BSN student at the School of Nursing; four nurse practitioners; one nursing student, two Wellmobile drivers and one RV driver, were among the School of Nursing's team.

While this effort is supported in part by CareFirst, the University of Maryland Medical System, Atlantic General Hospital and Connect Maryland, Inc., more funds are desperately needed to cover the cost of the trip, estimated at $200,000. David and Marla Oros are conducting this fundraising effort through their non-profit organization, Connect Maryland, Inc. Donations can be sent to: Connect Maryland, Inc., Attn: Mark Dewire, 100 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. Please make checks payable to: Connect Maryland, Inc. Memo: Wellmobile.

The Governor's Wellmobile Program began in 1994 as a private/public partnership. The School of Nursing currently operates four 33' long Wellmobiles, each equipped with two examination rooms; a reception and education room; a laboratory; and computer, fax and cell phone capability. Two Wellmobiles operate on Maryland's Eastern Shore, one operates in Central Maryland and one in Western Maryland. Services include health screenings, health education, physical examinations, smoking prevention programs, immunizations, well-child care, vision and hearing screenings, detection and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, laboratory tests and diagnosis, and treatment/referral for illnesses.