Wellness Integrative Screening and Health (WISH) Initiative Gynecological Medical Mobile Unit

Grant Application

Denise Turoczi, BSN, RN, OCN, UPMC in Central Pa.

Proposed Innovation

Access to health care is important to good health, but residents of many remote rural communities in central Pennsylvania lack access to services. Many rural residents are uninsured or underinsured, and don’t have the resources to seek care.

Providing “care where they are” is the goal of this gynecological medical mobile unit offered through the Wellness Integrative Screening and Health (WISH) initiative. This innovative project will make it easier for homeless and uninsured women to access preventative gynecological screening services in their community.

Improvements in Action

Through this project, a mobile unit will be retrofitted to provide gynecologic examinations and breast and cervical cancer screenings. The unit will be equipped with an examination table, screening tests, instruments, and other supplies. Services will include pelvic and breast exams, Pap smears, STD testing, HPV vaccinations, urinalysis, and pregnancy testing.

The unit will be available on a rotating schedule at different locations in central Pennsylvania. Women needing additional follow-up care and testing will be referred to a newly created network of local gynecologists and primary care providers.

Intended Results

This WISH initiative will provide approximately 200 underserved, uninsured, and underinsured women yearly with gynecologic and preventive care services close to home. Bringing these preventative services directly to these underserved communities will increase access to care and ultimately decrease preventable cancers.