What is the Bon Secours Care-A-Van?
The Care-A-Van is a mobile health care program - a free clinic on wheels. Often, an uninsured individual may wait to access care until their health gets to an emergency level. Care-A-Van services are designed to provide medical care in a timely manner to those who need it.

Bon Secours Care-A-Van has been operating in Richmond since 1994.   The program currently serves 22 different locations.  The Care-A-Van program in Richmond served over 16,000 patients in FY 2011. 

How does it operate?
The Care-A-Van team consists of an attending medical director, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, patient care technicians, licensed practical nurses, drivers, registrars, trained medical interpreters, and outreach workers. Together, the team partners with local churches and community centers to provide primary care to the uninsured in medically underserved communities.

We have a few follow-up appointments available for current patients, but our scheduling is primarily on a first-come first-served basis. Capacity is limited. At each location, patients register and go through intake inside the partnering facility. From there, care and discharge services are conducted both inside the van and in the partnering facility.

Who does it serve?
This service only provides care for those who are uninsured. We provide care and referral services for children and adults.

How is it funded?
Care-A-Van is funded by Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Inc. and by donations through the Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation.

How can people find the van?
For more information, visit the Care-a-Van page or call 359-WELL (9355) to learn about upcoming dates and locations.

Can I volunteer?
The Care-A-Van is supported by a wonderful team of volunteers who serve in both clinical and non-clinical roles.  Visit our volunteer page for more information. 

Could the Care-A-Van come to my community event?
The mission of Bon Secours Richmond Health System is to provide Good Help to Those in Need.  The Care-A-Van fulfills the mission of Bon Secours by its provision of primary care services to uninsured patients in medically underserved neighborhoods at regularly scheduled clinics Monday through Saturday. If you would like us to consider participation at your community event and it aligns with our mission, please contact Betty_Coleman@bshsi.org at least 60 days prior to your event.

I’d like to host the Care-A-Van regularly at my community site. Is this possible?
The Care-A-Van establishes formal agreements with our community partners and hosts.  To learn more about requirements and availability, please contact Betty Coleman, Site Coordinator for Mobile Health Outreach at Betty_Coleman@bshsi.org or 804-213-0918.

May Schedule

"I just visited the Care-A-Van in Sandston for the first time today. I tried to find out all about before I came because it just seemed too good to be true. I kept waiting for the "other shoe to drop" and just knew there was a catch. I have worked over 40 years and have had insurance all that time but always hated to go to the doctor.  Well, today was a first for me in all my 62 years.  I have NEVER been treated so good as I was today. The ladies who helped me were absolutely amazing!"

"I have 4 daughters and I bring them all to the Care-A-Van. The Care-A-Van does their checkups, shots, and takes care of any health emergencies they have. Even though the services are free, I have always gotten great medical attention, from the reception to the medical services at the Care-A-Van, I couldn't ask for anything more!"

"I'd like to thank God for the Care-A-Van! What a tremendous ministry! I am a former educator and student athlete with a degree from UVA and never would have imagined myself in financial straits, no health insurance and having major problems physically. You folks do a tremendous job!"

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