Health Outreach Bus Rolls into the Loop
The Health Outreach Bus will make a special stop next week.
Six days a week, the Bus brings free basic medical care, food, hygiene supplies, clothing, case management, and a sense of community to seven underserved neighborhoods across Chicago. On Friday, July 27, it will pull into the heart of the city for a visit to Daley Plaza during lunchtime.
The Night Ministry's nationally recognized Outreach and Health Ministry Program (OHM) began 30 years ago with a mobile home outfitted to bring free health care directly to individuals unable to access traditional services because of challenges like a scarcity of facilities in their neighborhood, an inability to pay for care, or confidentiality concerns.
The newest Health Outreach Bus, a customized 38-foot vehicle, will open its doors for tours in Daley Plaza, between Dearborn, Washington, and Clark Streets in the Loop, from 11 am to 3 pm.
"This is a rare opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the Health Outreach Bus," said David Wywialowski, OHM Director. "When the Bus is in service at its stops, for confidentially, we limit individuals on board to patients seeing our Nurse Practitioner or individuals meeting with the Case Manager or an Outreach Professional."
"In Daley Plaza, visitors can climb on board to tour the Nurse's office and see the spaces in which our staff gets to know and support our clients. They can also meet the people who provide services on the Bus, like the Nurse Practitioner, and learn more about The Night Ministry's other programs, such as confidential HIV and STI testing and housing for young people experiencing homelessness."
Staff will be on hand to discuss volunteer opportunities and multiple ways to support the mission of The Night Ministry. Visitors can also learn about how to get involved with the Associate Board, whose members engage the community through volunteering, fundraising, networking, and advocacy opportunities targeted towards young professionals, and about upcoming events like The Night Ministry 2018 Golf Outing.
The Bus visit to Daley Plaza coincides with the City of Chicago's Food Truck Fest, so visitors can grab lunch before or after stopping by the Bus for a tour.