Health Wagon began its journey in 1980 with a simple Volkswagen Beetle navigating the rugged roads of Appalachia. Sister Bernie Kenny founded this initiative, and it has evolved from a modest mobile clinic into a leading example of rural healthcare innovation in the United States, particularly in Virginia's underserved communities. Today, it is a comprehensive healthcare network, setting a national model for rural health solutions.
St. Mary's Health Wagon has expanded from its humble beginnings to include two stationary clinics, four mobile units, a full-service pharmacy, and a state-of-the-art dental facility. In 2024 alone, it facilitated nearly 29,000 patient encounters, underscoring its vital role as a primary healthcare provider for southwestern Virginia’s most vulnerable populations.
Health Wagon operates in a region that illustrates some of America’s most profound healthcare disparities. The life expectancy difference between Virginia's wealthier northern areas and the impoverished Appalachian regions can exceed ten years. This stark gap highlights the critical need for accessible healthcare, which Health Wagon strives to provide.
The organization has been at the forefront of several healthcare innovations. In 2015, it participated in the first FAA-approved drone delivery of medication in the U.S., a milestone now commemorated in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Additionally, it was the first mobile clinic to utilize SpaceX's Starlink program, bringing satellite-powered telehealth services to remote areas.
Health Wagon's commitment to innovation also includes establishing Virginia’s first remote wound care clinic and developing comprehensive post-COVID care programs. In partnership with the University of Virginia, it facilitated the world’s first remote cystoscopy procedures for bladder cancer detection, showcasing how technology can extend specialized care to rural settings.
Since 2016, Health Wagon has collaborated with the Department of Defense to offer free medical, dental, and vision services, exemplifying effective military-civilian healthcare collaborations.
Beyond immediate medical services, Health Wagon addresses the broader social determinants of health. The Owens and Hill Dental Health Clinic provides essential dental care and promotes educational opportunities and advanced treatment options like 3D-printed dentures.
Furthermore, Health Wagon organizes the Move Mountains Medical Mission (M7), a significant initiative that delivers free healthcare services to thousands annually, emphasizing its commitment to overcoming healthcare barriers in rural America.
As Health Wagon enters its fifth decade, it continues to push the boundaries of innovation with plans to introduce mobile endoscopy and the first mobile CT scanner for disease detection in rural areas, further enhancing its ability to deliver specialized healthcare directly to Appalachia's most underserved communities.
For more information about Health Wagon’s impactful programs and future initiatives, visit their website or connect through social media.
