Locals celebrate National Health Center Week with free services

PINE BELT, Miss. - Mayor Toby Barker proclaimed National Health Center week for Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative Wednesday in Hattiesburg.

Will Harvey, Southeast Health Marketing Coordinator, says this week give an opportunity to raise awareness in the rural communities. "We’re here to provide access to everybody regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, I think most of our patient load is diverse. You know we have uninsured patients..."

For over 50 years health centers have provided health care for the medically undeserved population. Mayor Toby Barker says accessibility and convenience is a must for Mississippi's rural area. " “We think about the triple aim in terms of Health Care, we think cost, quality , access and the biggest part for a state like Mississippi is quality and cost but most importantly access," Toby Barker, Mayor of Hattiesburg said.

The Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative has a group of 17 health centers and 24 school sites. Officials are asking people to come out and participate in the free services they're offering this week, Aug.13th-17th.

"We’re doing the free screenings BMIs, blood pressure, prostate exams, hemoglobins, were also doing a free eye screening today. And we’ll also be doing free dental screenings all week.” Harvey said.

For more information on the free medical screening services offered by The Southeast Mississippi Rural Health Initiative click here.