News Summary
Salve Regina University has introduced a mobile health and wellness outreach program in Rhode Island, supported by a $1.95 million federal funding. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare access and train future health professionals. The mobile unit, a 40-foot educational facility, will deliver healthcare services and provide hands-on training experiences to students in nursing, social work, and health sciences. The program addresses healthcare disparities in the community while enriching student education through real-world service delivery.
Rhode Island is set to benefit from a new mobile health and wellness outreach program launched by Salve Regina University, with a focus on enhancing healthcare access and training future healthcare professionals. The initiative was unveiled on Monday, September 23, 2025, and is backed by a significant $1.95 million federal earmark secured by U.S. Senator Jack Reed.
The mobile health unit is a fully equipped 40-foot educational unit designed to deliver healthcare services and training throughout the state. The primary objective of the program is not only to train professionals such as nurses, social workers, and mental health providers but also to address healthcare access disparities prevalent in various Rhode Island communities. By fostering hands-on community service experience, the program aims to attract more individuals into the healthcare field while simultaneously serving the needs of local populations.
Senator Reed and Newport Mayor Charlie Holder attended the launch ceremony, highlighting the program’s significance in fostering community engagement and professional development. According to Reed, the program is expected to enrich the training of students by providing real-world experiences in healthcare delivery.
The state-of-the-art mobile unit includes two private counseling rooms and an exam room equipped with a range of health and wellness educational materials. It has been designed to adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring accessibility for all community members. The operational team for this mobile unit will be comprised of students and faculty from Salve Regina’s nursing, social work, and health science programs, alongside participants from the university’s Compass program. Additionally, drivers from the university’s Department of Public Safety will operate the mobile unit.
Dr. Debra Cherubini, an associate professor of nursing, is the conceptual force behind the outreach initiative and has taken on the role of program director. The federal funding will cover the costs associated with the purchase of the mobile unit, essential equipment, innovative simulation technology for nursing labs, and operational expenses for several years.
University President Dr. Kelli J. Armstrong underscored the program’s dual purpose of enhancing educational opportunities for students while simultaneously providing valuable support to local communities in need of improved healthcare services. The mobile unit is anticipated to commence service delivery in various communities starting this fall, with Dr. Cherubini coordinating efforts with local hospitals and community organizations to establish outreach locations.
This innovative health outreach program reflects Salve Regina University’s commitment to addressing significant healthcare challenges while preparing the next generation of health professionals to meet evolving community needs.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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