By Nicole Rodriguez-Robbins
Access Navigator, Knox Clinic
October 1, 2026

At the Knox Clinic, we believe quality care should be accessible to everyone. We’re committed to breaking down barriers, such as cost and transportation. This fall, we’re taking that commitment on the road with the launch of our Mobile Health Van, bringing healthcare services and connections directly into communities across Knox County. 

The 44-foot bus was generously donated to us by Northeastern University, a longstanding partner! With generous grant support from the Coverys Community Healthcare Foundation, the bus has been renovated, rebranded, and outfitted for mobile health outreach. 

The Mobile Health Van is an extension of our brick-and-mortar health and dental clinic, allowing us to bring care into the places where people live, work, learn, and gather. Transportation can be a significant barrier to timely care, particularly in remote, rural communities, so rather than asking everyone to come to us, we’re bringing services and information to town halls, food pantries, schools, social service organizations, rec centers, libraries, and other local hubs.

This fall marks the initial pilot phase of our mobile outreach program. Over the past few weeks, the  Knox Clinic Mobile Health Van has been out in Thomaston, Cushing, Union, and Rockport, providing free COVID-19 and flu vaccines, blood pressure checks, and signing up new patients for primary care and dental services. 

A Grassroots Effort

It has taken a lot of people pitching in with their time, skills, resources, and ideas to get the Mobile Health Van on the road — and we’re so grateful to everyone who has helped bring it to life: staff, students, volunteers, and community partners. Northeastern University students helped to research community needs and participate in bus clean-up and renovations. Volunteer Dusty Batley dedicated many hours to the renovation, while Dave Robbins, a retired truck driver, has taken on the important role of bus driver. When the van needed a battery jump (it happens!), our volunteer Clinical Director, Dr. Cliff Dacso, came to the rescue.

Gillian Lindsey, our AmeriCorps VISTA, is coordinating our mobile outreach efforts, building community partnerships, organizing events, recruiting volunteers, and being on-site to give out resources and answer questions. Jess Bowen, our clinical lead Registered Nurse, brings her clinical services, kindness, and expertise. (Bonus: Jess is a Maine-certified car seat safety technician, happy to provide a free car seat check!)

We’re also grateful to Chandler Blodgett from Pen Bay Pharmacy, who partnered with us to offer free COVID-19 and flu vaccines at many of our events. Thank you to all of our supporters!

How to Find Us & Get Involved

  • Want to know where the Mobile Health Van is heading? Check out our Events Calendar for upcoming events and locations. 
  • Have an idea for a future outreach event near you? Use the survey link here to let us know where you’d like to see the Knox Clinic Mobile Health Van. 
  • Interested in volunteering? We’d love to have your support! Email Gillian Lindsey at gillian@knoxclinic.org.