City: Florida Keys, FL

Category: Health Care

Telephone: Key West and Lower Keys, (305)

Description: The Rural Health Network was established to provide primary medical care and dental services to the uninsured and underinsured residents of and visitors to Monroe County. Two fully equipped RVs travel up and down the Keys to provide medical services to folks who are uninsured and might not otherwise seek primary-­care treatment. A combined effort of the Monroe County Health Department, the three Keys hospitals, the Health Foundation of South Florida, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami, HUD, FEMA, HRSA, and the Florida Keys Area Health Education Center in conjunction with the University of Miami, this mobile medical service covers Key Largo to Key West.The vans are equipped like doctors’ offices. Each has two small examination rooms and a cab that doubles as a triage area, and is staffed by a registered nurse, a nurse practitioner, and a health educator, as well as nursing and medical students. Patients needing care beyond the scope of the Medi-­Van staff may be referred to specialists and area hospitals. Appointments are available and walk-­ins are welcome. The Medi-­Vans charge a co-­pay for their services.