In the News

Eliminating Barriers to Care in the Western Tidewater Region

ODU Community Care continues to expand its impact in Franklin, Virginia and surrounding areas thanks to a $200,000 annual grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation over the next three years.

ODU’s Ellmer School of Nursing Welcomes 4-Legged Chief Compassion Officer

ODU’s Ellmer School of Nursing Welcomes 4-Legged Chief Compassion Officer

ODU Community Care Wins NAFC Silver Ranking for Transformative Health Initiatives

Their patient-centered model, that solves health challenges faced by rural and underserved populations, is what won the 2024 Silver Rating for quality standards programs from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC).

ODU Community Care hosts third annual back-to-school event

The 3rd Annual Pediatric Back-To-School event was hosted at the Virginia Beach Higher Education Center. Over 100 students served 90 families for free school and sports physicals.

In rural Virginia, communities struggle to find enough health care workers

JW Caterine wrote a fantastic article about rural health care for the Virginia Mercury featuring our ODU team! She talks about the challenges facing rural communities and health care workers.

"Despite all of the obstacles facing rural health care workers, professionals like Speerhas and those at the ODU mobile clinic continue their work, many motivated by a simple desire to serve the community. 'I know it’s cliche, but we’re truly making a difference and making an impact,' Speerhas said. 'To wake up everyday and be able to do that, why would you not?'”

Nursing Students Bring Free Care to Rural Virginia with Student-Run Mobile Health Clinic

Read Gretel Kauffman's article in RHIhub about the importance of bringing student nurses to the "healthcare deserts" of rural Virginia, both for the community and the students' education. She talks about it as a "unique model" of impactful healthcare, quoting Dr. Carolyn Rutledge about how we draw from partnerships with the community:

“We didn't go in saying, ‘I am delivering this to you,’ because we didn't know what the communities needed,” Rutledge said. “It was important to really engage them and make it a collaboration, not something that is separate from the community.”

Case Study: Old Dominion University's Student-Run Mobile Health Clinic

RHIhub recently wrote a case study of our mobile clinic! It does a really nice job of summarizing our approach, funding, challenges, and the possibility for doing this in other communities. Let us know what you think!

Free physicals being offered to Southampton County, Franklin kids ahead of school year

This feature by Penny Kmitt at WTKR talks about our mission in Franklin and our new initiative offering physicals to kids in the area on our Mobile Clinic, a much needed service in an area without adequate access to healthcare. Check it out!

New PiNPod Episode: Community Care: Partnering with Old Dominion University (ODU)

Tammy Speerhas, D.N.P., F.N.P.-C., CEN, chief operating officer at ODU Community Care, shares how community partnerships help expand access to healthcare and supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness and other challenges.

Old Dominion University Community Care receives $600K grant to expand Western Tidewater services

The grant provides $200,000 annually over the next three years to support expanded access to care through mobile clinics, school-based services and community outreach, according to the university.

ODU receives $600,000 grant to expand health care in Western Tidewater

Old Dominion University Community Care received a $600,000 Obici Healthcare Foundation grant to expand nurse-led, student-run health services across Western Tidewater.

Eliminating Barriers to Care in the Western Tidewater Region

Thanks to a $600K grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation, ODU Community Care continues to grow its impact in Franklin and beyond, bringing essential healthcare resources to underserved communities while providing hands-on learning for future nursing leaders.

Case Study: Old Dominion University's Student-Run Mobile Health Clinic

RHIhub recently wrote a case study of our mobile clinic! It does a really nice job of summarizing our approach, funding, challenges, and the possibility for doing this in other communities. Let us know what you think!

New mobile medical clinic opens in Franklin, Southampton County

Penny Kmitt at WTKR highlights the ribbon cutting event and the official opening of the clinic in Franklin, VA.

Mobile Health Clinic to Bolster Healthcare in Southampton County

Amber Kennedy features the Mobile Clinic’s ambitions to serve people in need in Southampton County.

New Mobile Healthcare Clinic coming to Southampton County, Franklin

This feature by Penny Kmitt at WTKR talks about how ODU will soon launch its new mobile healthcare bus that will serve people in the community. Residents will no longer have to travel great distances for quality care.

ODU mobile health van provides health care services for those in need

Wavy News 10’s Lauren Moss gives insight on a new big blue bus on a mission to help provide access to healthcare in Southampton County.

Mission Mobile Medical

On Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Mission Mobile Medical spotlighted their partnership with us at the ribbon cutting event in Franklin, VA. Check out the video!