“We’ve been coming here since we were babies,” said Demarco Corbett, 10, and his friend Navaeh Edwards, 12, holding a big pair of scissors about to snip a big blue silk ribbon.

Naveah and Demarco, patients who visit the KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, cut the ribbon at MedStar Georgetown’s ceremony, which officially opened the new KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile at the King Greenleaf Recreation Center on Dec. 8. The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington, D.C. provided the care mobile, a new state-of-the-art pediatric mobile clinic that will serve patients in Wards 4, 6, 7 and 8.

“Because of the support of our partners, our staff can be more efficient, have a reliable office and better serve our patients in a comfortable environment,” said Matthew Levy, MD, division chief of Community Pediatrics at MedStar Georgetown.

Dr. Levy and team gave tours of the care mobile before and after the ceremony. The vehicle measures 500 square feet with six hydraulic bump-outs to hold larger exam tables and an expanded lab and waiting area. Some of the primary care services on the KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile include well-visits, immunizations, fluoride varnish, nutritional counseling, sick visits, ophthalmology and mental health services.

“I look forward to seeing this newest KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile setting up shop in neighborhoods across the District,” said Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC). “Every child, regardless of income or circumstance, deserves quality health care. I am grateful to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.”

Congresswoman Norton was one of the speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony who expressed her gratitude to all who serve “those who need it the most” with critical pediatric care. Other speakers, like Councilmember Charles Allen of Ward 6, echoed her remarks.

“The Southwest community is very grateful,” said Councilmember Allen. “The ability to have a clinic roll up, matters in our neighborhood. We see it as a big difference because sometimes you need care to come to the homes.”

Councilmember Allen highlighted the Southwest community’s large proportion of disparities and lack of health centers in the neighborhood. Mike Sachtleben, chief operating officer of MedStar Georgetown, agreed on the need for special care and provided insight into MedStar Georgetown’s commitment to proving the cura personalis approach to care in Southwest D.C.

“We are a proud member of the D.C. community,” he said. “The new mobile clinic means more space, advanced equipment and better care for children in our community!”

MedStar Georgetown has served Washington, D.C. with mobile care since 1992. The new KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is the program’s fourth mobile unit. The staff shared that a few generations of patients have now come through the mobile clinic, which helps its team develop closer relationships with patient families.

“I found the mobile clinic at a very difficult time in life,” said Naveah’s mother, Tracy Edwards. “While the staff’s main focus is on children first, they also have a lot of resources to help parents be able to put their kids first. I’m so thankful for the personalized care that Dr. Levy and his team have shown us! I’ve always been very impressed!”

According to Dr. Levy, his team will continue to focus on the five pillars of health: physical health, mental health, oral health, nutritional health and the social determinants of health.

“We know our families very well, and they have been so special to us for many years,” said Dr. Levy. “For us, it’s about being able to build programs to help people. That’s what we do.”

Following the ceremony, the mobile care staff distributed toy gifts, which were collected during a recent holiday toy drive at MedStar Georgetown.

When it was Navaeh’s turn to select a gift, she chose a bracelet-making box. Damarco was excited about his air hockey table.

“As far as I’m concerned, kids come first,” said Congresswoman Norton (D-DC), “especially at this time of the year.”

Marianne Worley

Director of Media Relations
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