One City at a Time Arrives in Dania Beach

Memorial Primary Care Brings Mobile Health Resources and Services to Underserved Community

Memorial Healthcare System continued its “One City at a Time” community outreach program with a kickoff event at C.W. Thomas Park in Dania Beach. Broward County’s oldest city now joins Hallandale Beach in receiving ongoing mobile health services from Memorial, making it easier for individuals with limited resources to access care.

The event featured free health screenings for adults and children, with numerous parents using the opportunity to get kids a school-required physical before classes resumed in Broward the following Monday. Elizabeth Justen, chair of the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners, helped distribute healthy food packages, and there were also giveaways to those who qualified of Wi-Fi-enabled tablets that can be used for telehealth visits. Memorial Primary Care representatives and vendors offered nutritional counseling, Medicaid eligibility/insurance enrollment information, and connections to social services, while attendees also enjoyed music, lunch, and kids activities.

Leaders from Memorial Healthcare System and the City of Dania Beach spoke about the importance of a partnership that will have adult and pediatric mobile health centers on-site at the park on a regular basis for the next two years.

“We know that not having easy access to care is one of the social determinants that impact a person’s overall health,” said Melida Akiti, chief community officer for Memorial Healthcare System. “Our ongoing efforts are about removing barriers and helping people proactively manage their health.”

‘One City’ primarily assists those who are uninsured or underinsured, with outreach to communities in Hollywood and Miramar planned for the near future. It’s all part of Memorial Primary Care’s commitment to proactive health that can prevent or more easily treat chronic conditions before they become a crisis for an individual and his or her family.