New Pediatric Mobile Medical Vehicle will Address Health Disparities in Children and Youth Across Montgomery County

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Council unanimously approved special appropriation to develop a public-private initiative between Casa Ruben, Inc., the Robert I. Schattner Foundation and Montgomery County  

ROCKVILLE, Md, April 5, 2022–Today the Council unanimously approved a $450,000 special appropriation to the County’s Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget for an initiative that will help provide healthcare to uninsured, underinsured and under-resourced children and youth across Montgomery County, as part of an exciting public-private partnership between Casa Ruben, Inc., the Robert I. Schattner Foundation and Montgomery County.

“There is nothing more important than the public health of our community,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz, chair of the Health and Human Services Committee. “We must meet communities where they are, in a culturally appropriate manner, to eliminate barriers to access quality care. This initiative will achieve both and reinforce our commitment to closing public health disparities in our community.”

“During the pandemic, we’ve learned that we can’t just sit back and wait for folks to come to us for services, we have to go to them,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson. “We have to do it on their turf, in their terms, in their language, in a way that is culturally competent. By partnering with local nonprofits and leveraging private dollars, this exciting effort will help us do that.”

Through this $450,000 special appropriation, the County will fund the purchase of a vehicle that will serve as a pediatric mobile medical clinic and, in turn, the Robert I. Schattner Foundation will provide matching funds of up to $450,000 directly to Casa Ruben, Inc. to fund the clinic staff and operating expenses. As part of the effort, Casa Ruben Inc. and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will collaborate to identify children in need and provide necessary resources to improve their overall health and ability to enroll in school.

During the pandemic many children, especially newcomer children and those in under-resourced zip codes in our County, fell behind or were not able to receive the necessary vaccinations to enroll in school. The State of Maryland’s Immunet system reported that approximately 70 percent of uninsured, recently arrived youth aged zero to 21 years of age missed their recommended scheduled vaccines during the pandemic. The State of Maryland also reported a drop of 46 percent in vaccinations during the pandemic and encouraged leaders and pediatricians to re-engage families in care and use mobile units to bridge the gaps. Mobile medical care has been shown to be a cost effective and helpful way to reach underserved and disenfranchised communities that do not have easy access mainstream healthcare.

Casa Ruben, a local non-profit organization that provides comprehensive primary care, vaccinations, referrals to behavioral health care and other services to low-income communities, including many immigrant families and families of color, stepped up to fill this need and provided more than 7,000 immunizations to Montgomery County children during the pandemic.

More information on this special appropriation can be found in the Council staff report.

For more information on the County’s health initiatives please visit the DHHS website

# # #

Recent Stories

“We know nothing hits the spot quite like a fresh, melt-in-your-mouth doughnut paired with your go-to McCafé order…and today, McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme have a sweet update for doughnut fans…

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, a traveling food truck selling Hello Kitty-themed treats, will be in nearby Columbia this weekend (Saturday, March 30th) and will make a stop at Pike…

  Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a fire in the in the 1700blk of Forest Glen Rd in Silver Spring at approximately 6:40am on Thursday, March…

Gotham FC on Wednesday confirmed that forward and Montgomery County native Midge Purce suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the club’s match against the Portland Thorns at…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list