Mobile Clinic Initiative Expands Access to Health Services in South Suburbs

After years of advocating for public funding, The Link and Option Center’s Twin Green launched a mobile clinic to serve people in need throughout the south suburbs. ‘I couldn’t wait on that,’ Green remarked during the introduction of the large bus, which starts operations this month.

The mobile clinic aims to conduct 2,000 mental health screenings and facilitate 300 to 500 maternal health visits annually. Through personal initiatives and private donations, Green secured the $600,000 necessary to launch the project. She continues urging elected officials to assist in raising an additional $900,000 to maintain staffing and operations long-term.

Nicknamed Carry, the mobile clinic will cover high-need areas like Harvey, Dolton, Riverdale, Markham, Robbins, Chicago Heights, South Holland, and Hazel Crest, operating four days a week. Green noted the support of multiple municipalities and healthcare centers, such as Thornton Township, Rich Township, and Cook County Health, in hosting the mobile clinic.

The clinic offers prenatal screenings, maternal wellness checks, mental health assessments, postpartum depression screenings, addiction support, and chronic condition monitoring. Services are provided to all, regardless of insurance coverage. An accompanying crisis response van will deliver immediate behavioral health support when required.

Inspired by firsthand experiences in her community, Green noted that mental health struggles, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled her resolve. ‘At the local grocery store, seeing children asking for food was saddening,’ Green shared.

Determined to reduce care barriers, Green provides her contact details to those in need, aiming to make services more accessible. ‘These are people we need to reach—those hesitant to visit traditional facilities,’ she explained. ‘Turning a high-effort visit into a low-effort visit is what it’s about—offering an attractive, well-equipped, and ready-to-serve option.’

Local leaders, including State Rep. Debbie Meyers-Martin and State Sen. Michael Hastings, expressed support during the clinic’s unveiling. Cook County Commissioners Kisha McCaskill and Donna Miller, as well as Rich Township Supervisor Calvin Jordan, also articulated their backing. The Link and Option Center, based in South Holland, aims to expand mental and maternal health services in the region.

Miller emphasized the necessity for more healthcare professionals from Black communities. Data from the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2023 indicated that fewer than 6% of doctors in the U.S. identify as Black or African American. ‘We need to train the next generation to provide healthcare for our community,’ she stated. Miller pledged ongoing efforts to procure federal funding to address mental health needs.