In northeast Indiana, a remarkable partnership between Parkview Health and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is changing lives, one child at a time. Through collaboration on the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, we’re delivering accessible, compassionate healthcare directly to underserved children and families who need it most.
A shared mission
The relationship between Parkview and Ronald McDonald House Charities isn’t new, but it’s now stronger than ever thanks to this mobile health initiative, which allows Parkview to reinvest heavily into the community. By teaming up with RMHC, we’re able to extend our impact beyond hospital walls, supporting entire family units, from children to parents and siblings.
What is the Care Mobile?
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is a fully equipped mobile clinic that travels throughout the community, offering healthcare services to children aged 0 to 18, including wellness checks, immunizations, physical exams, sick visits, oral health services, lab work and more.
It’s not about replacing a primary care provider. It’s about filling the gap and creating a bridge to long-term care.
The heart of the operation
Behind the wheel, and behind every interaction, is a small but mighty team:
- Dia: The multitasking driver and check-in coordinator who ensures the mobile clinic runs smoothly.
- Chloe: The medical assistant who performs essential health screenings.
- Angie: A pediatric nurse practitioner who handles a wide range of care needs with warmth and expertise, from physicals to acute care.
Together, they create a family-like environment in a very tight space, forming connection and trust.
Removing barriers
Many families served by the Care Mobile face challenges that prevent them from seeking traditional healthcare. Some parents fear judgment or worry about legal consequences for missing appointments. Others simply can’t get time off work. The Care Mobile removes those barriers by being present, approachable and judgment-free.
The bigger picture: A healthier community
Without this mobile unit, many families would rely on emergency rooms for basic needs or go without care entirely. By offering preventive services, the Care Mobile helps avoid costly ER visits and supports long-term health improvements, from reducing childhood obesity to lowering infant mortality rates.
As one team member put it, “We’re not just there to treat a child one day and go away. We’re there to ensure they have future care, and that care can change a child’s life and our community’s future.”
The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is more than just a clinic on wheels. It’s a lifeline, a community connector and a beacon of hope. For the team behind it, this isn’t just work. It’s a calling. And thanks to them, countless children now have a healthier, brighter path ahead.
Learn more about the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile here.
