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Medical van allows Tulsa Day Center to help more than 1,000 patients

TULSA, Okla. — A new set of four wheels will help drive the mission of the medical clinic at the Tulsa Day Center.

The medical clinic at the Day Center has seen more than 1,000 patients this year.

“We’re like a train station, or transitional station in that they come to us, we get them to where they need to get, whether that’s getting them to get medications, helping them set up with a primary care,” said Clinic Director Leslie Petty.

She says the medical transport van was donated to them at a crucial time.

“Since the first of the year we’ve transported more than 70 clients and gone over 600 miles,” said Petty.

Many of those miles done by cab. The Day Center has spent more than $2,000 in cab vouchers.

“It’s difficult when you’re in a wheelchair getting in and out of a cab. The driver unloading loading, or the bus, now us getting this van allows us to take two versus just the one multiple appointments,” said Monica Martin, Director of Development.

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The medical van is equipped with two wheelchair accessible seats. It’ll be used to take people to and from doctors’ appointments, follow ups, specialty visits, and much more.

“Research shows that clients who are homeless lack the resources we have. So, since they can’t access their medical care or get to their appointments, they’re more likely to go back to the emergency room,” said Petty.

The clinic has been able to help prevent 80 EMSA visits so far this year, saving the City of Tulsa $200,000. The clinic is a no barrier, no cost clinic. From Tylenol to greater medical needs, the clinic is there to serve.

“If you need some medical assistance, you can come into our clinic, anyone, anyone who walks through our doors can get medical services here at the day center. We’ll feed you breakfast in the morning, dinner in the evening,” said Martin.

It’s a steppingstone for those who need it most.

“You see somebody who walks in that’s in poor health, self-esteem is really low, we get their health on track, get them housed and they come back to see us and they’re looking great, and it feels good to be a part of that. I was a part of that, the clinic was a part of that,” said Petty.

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