Central Michigan University receives funding for Mobile Health Central

Central Michigan University has received funding for its Mobile Health Central from two sources: an endowment from university alumni Gary and Barbara Russell and a grant from the Towsley Foundation. The funding will support Mobile Health Central to provide healthcare access to more individuals in rural and underserved communities, as well as provide additional hands-on training for students who are pursuing healthcare education. 

According to an article on Central Michigan University’s website, Jennifer Cotter, who serves as the university’s vice president for Advancement, was quoted as saying of these two gifts and what they will accomplish, “The Towsley Foundation and Russells have stepped forward to expand the impact of Mobile Health Central. Their deep commitment to others will forge a path for providing preventive health care in communities where it is needed the most.”

The university’s Mobile Health Central was established in 2014 through a gift from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation. It is a mobile health clinic that travels to rural and underserved communities to provide preventative care. Mobile Health Central is staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and students in medicine, allied health, nursing, athletic training, and physician assistant programs at the university.

Kathleen Hodgkins, the director of clinical services in CMU's CARLS Center for Clinical Care and Education, said, “People who live in rural communities are more at risk for disease and their life expectancy is lower because of a lack of access to care. Going into communities and providing care is rewarding, especially when we can offer it for free.”

The Towsley Foundation’s $75,000 grant will allow Mobile Health Central to provide physicals for school and sports, immunizations, and basic health screenings to families in rural communities for the next three years. The grant will also support the university’s partnerships with health organizations and school districts.

The nearly $40,000 in funding from the Russells will establish the Gary and Barbara (Anderson) Russell Mobile Clinic Fund. The fund was created to provide students in healthcare programs with more hands-on learning experiences while also providing healthcare to communities in need. 

Speaking of his and his wife’s support of Mobile Health Central, Gary said, “Transportation is a barrier to health care in rural areas; there is such a need for health care professionals. Our support of Mobile Health Central continues to engage students in addressing this need while also allowing them to be innovative and try new things. It also raises the visibility of CMU’s excellent health care programs.”

The Russells have supported Central Michigan University with more than $335,000 in gifts over the years. Their previous gifts included support for the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, the College of Medicine, the Museum of Cultural and Natural History, the College of Education and Human Services, men’s basketball, and the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government.

Gary noted, “Establishing endowments has allowed us to spread our gifts over several years yet still make a difference. Thousands of CMU graduates have income at the same level as ours. If we can do it, you can, too. Alumni gifts change lives.”

For more information about Central Michigan University, visit the school’s website.