Health Wagon

Health Wagon embarked on its mission in 1980 with a Volkswagen Beetle, traversing the mountainous roads of Appalachia. Founded by Sister Bernie Kenny, this humble venture started as a mobile clinic and has since grown into a significant force in rural healthcare innovation in the United States. Today, it operates as a comprehensive healthcare network, providing pivotal services to Virginia's underserved populations. St. Mary's Health Wagon has expanded to include two fixed clinics, four mobile units, a complete pharmacy, and a modern dental facility starting with just a few patients. As the nation's oldest mobile free clinic, it is a critical healthcare resource for southwestern Virginia, impacting nearly 29,000 patient encounters in 2024 alone. These numbers reflect a deep commitment to making healthcare accessible to those in need. Health Wagon operates in an area that demonstrates the extreme disparities in healthcare within Virginia. The gap in life expectancy and overall health between the more affluent regions and Appalachian communities highlights the crucial role that Health Wagon plays. The organization works tirelessly to bridge these gaps by delivering comprehensive healthcare solutions. The organization's spirit of innovation is evident through its many groundbreaking initiatives. In 2015, it participated in the first FAA-approved drone delivery of medication in the U.S., a feat now highlighted in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. It also partnered with SpaceX's Starlink program to pioneer satellite-enabled telehealth services to remote areas, further extending its reach. Health Wagon's telehealth network includes Virginia's first remote wound care clinic and novel post-COVID care programs. Collaborating with the University of Virginia, it achieved a world first in remote cystoscopy procedures for bladder cancer detection, proving that advanced technology can deliver specialized care to remote areas.