Clarity Healthcare’s mobile clinic brings life-saving care to Hannibal’s most vulnerable

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Clarity Healthcare mobile clinic is a special vehicle equipped to meet people in need of medical care.

Clarity, a federally qualified health center, and Loaves and Fishes, an outreach program that serves hot meals to people in need, have partnered to contact more than 200 unhoused people since March 2024.

Cindy Epperson, a licensed practical nurse with Clarity Healthcare, leads the outreach with her team and drives the Clarity mobile clinic to Loaves and Fishes twice a month.

“If we can’t get people to health care, we need to bring health care to them,” Epperson said. “It’s heartbreaking to see that people believe they’re not worthy of respect and care because of their status in the community.” 

Transportation and affordability are two recurring barriers between people and the care they need in Hannibal and across the United States. 

During a mobile unit visit, Epperson and her team treat individuals with short-term solutions and offer services like flu shots, vital sign readings and hygiene products. The clinic also supplies naloxone (commonly known by the brand name Narcan), a drug that rapidly reverses the effects of a life-threatening opioid overdose. While Clarity’s mobile clinic team can address some issues from its vehicle, the long-term goal is for clients to receive whole-person care at the primary Clarity Healthcare clinic in Hannibal.

“We must show up consistently to this group to build trust and show that we have their best interest in mind,” Epperson said. “These are people expecting to have the door shut on them or be left behind.” 

During a mobile unit visit, Epperson asks people if they want an appointment at the primary Clarity Healthcare clinic. Epperson and the team return the following week to ferry willing clients to the Clarity Healthcare clinic on Communications Drive[RB3] . 

“The transport service they are providing to help people get to doctor appointments, which most would either struggle to get to or possibly not even go at all because of the walk to get there, is a wonderful thing to provide to the public,” said Billie Vavra, director of food programs at Harvest Outreach Ministries, Loaves and Fishes’ operator.

People can access primary care, dental services, behavioral health care, case management and Medicaid enrollment at the clinic. Clients usually receive at least three services before returning downtown for Loaves and Fishes’ evening meal. Every moment at the clinic counts. 

“It’s a lot of moving pieces to make this happen, and it’s truly a team effort,” Epperson said. “We want every person we meet to feel dignity and know they are worthy of care.”

Epperson and her team’s efforts are already making life-saving differences. 

A man was experiencing high blood pressure and severe headaches during a recent mobile clinic visit. He needed immediate emergency medical care. The man, having had a previous traumatic experience of being left at a hospital, was wary of having an ambulance called. Through Epperson’s encouragement and promise to be there for him, he agreed for a 911 call to be made on his behalf. Epperson traveled 180 miles to make sure he was cared for and taken home upon release from a hospital. His decision, and Epperson’s dedication, likely saved his life. 

“He was in a life-threatening situation,” Epperson said. “Because we were there, because we had a relationship, he trusted us enough to come in. He got the care he needed.”

Epperson and her team bring people to the clinic for follow-up appointments. She stresses the need for compassion and understanding that anyone can be down on their luck and in need of a helping hand.  

“I believe we are gaining more trust and building better relationships with the public, and Clarity is playing a big part of helping people help themselves in their personal healthcare. We see a rise in numbers when the mobile unit comes,” Vavra said. “It is a wonderful thing to provide to the public, and what an amazing group to provide it.”  

Learn more about Clarity Healthcare at clarity-healthcare.org. 

Loaves and Fishes is looking for donations and support to accommodate the recent increase in people in need and the corresponding costs. Send your donations to Harvest Outreach Ministries, 1732 Hope, Hannibal, Mo., 63401.