The MHSU, in a semi-trailer rig, travels the state, being operated by volunteers
from local Lions clubs.
The six (6) free screenings are:
- Bone Density Test
- Visual Acuity
- Hearing
- Glaucoma
AND
- Blood Pressure
- Blood Sugar (Diabetes)
MHSU OFFERS NEW TEST
A bone density test has been added to the Mobile Health Screening Unit (MHSU), owned
and operated by the Lions Clubs of Oklahoma
The test is recommended for women age 55 and older, but is given free to anyone
who requests it when the MHSU is in their community.
The unit is in operation about 100 days per year and screens between 6,000 and 10,000 people
annually – absolutely FREE.
About 42 percent of those screened "fail" one or more of the five tests. A year-long survey found that more than 60 percent of those who failed one or more tests had sought medical attention within 30 days of their screening. The system is working!
The 42 percent "fail" rate is disturbing but not surprising. Medical statisticians report that Oklahoma is one of the unhealthiest states in the nation, and that its citizens are "bad about not seeking medical attention."
And, a large majority of those going through the MHSU are the poor, indigent and elderly who traditionally do not visit doctors on a regular basis.
Operation of the MHSU is financed by a $75,000 annual grant from Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Oklahoma. BCBSOK began its cooperation with Lions when the unit began service in 1998 and has agreed to provide that financial help at least through 2007.
Charlie Bowen, owner of Freightliner truck dealerships in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Texas, partnered with the Oklahoma Lions by helping with the expense of the tractor and donating maintenance services, repairs to the tractor and parking for the vehicle.
The $200,000-plus unit was purchased with donations from Oklahoma’s Lions clubs, several individual members, BCBSOK and a $75,000 grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Supervised by a seven-member committee, the unit is owned by the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation. It contains the latest screening equipment, all user-friendly so it can be operated by non-professionals
The unit is driven and supervised by volunteer Lions, who also serve as trainers for local Lions who operate the equipment.
Members of the MHSU Committee and the districts they represent are:
- 3-O - Jose Godinez (918) 451-9738 (Northeast Oklahoma)
- 3-K - Ferril Williamson, Wewoka, (405) 257-2387 (Southeast Oklahoma)
- 3-L - Ealmer Klippel, Chickasha, (405) 224–6675 (Southwest Oklahoma)
- 3-A - Kim McFarland, Enid Briggs (580) 233-3937 (Northwest Oklahoma)
- 3-H - Jim Harned, OKC Downtown (405) 295-2274 (Central Oklahoma)
- At-large - Richard Dugger, Garber (580) 863-2202
- At-large - Mike Rhoads, OKC Downtown (405) 842-3111
Committee officers are Wayne Middleton, Chairman; TBA__________, Secretary; Richard Dugger, Treasurer and Mike Rhoads, Blue Cross/Blue Shield representative.
The unit may be scheduled only through a Lions Club. However, the club may partner with other clubs, churches, etc., to do the screenings.
Please note that the accompanying calendar is for information only. To schedule the MHSU for their communities, Lions clubs must call (405) 947-6540 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The MHSU schedule is closed by the 20th of each month for the following month (i.e., deadline is April 20 for May schedule). Final arrangements are made by the assigned unit driver/manager usually 7 to 10 days before the scheduled visit.
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