Sentara Community Care and Mobile Care models are set up to address gaps in health care services in underserved communities.

Some of those gaps include expanding services to uninsured people or those on Medicaid. 

Heather Strock, the executive director of operations with Sentara Community Care, says these communities struggle because services aren’t accessible. 

“We’re acting as a neutral party coming in and really understanding what are those available services?,” Strock said.  “And where can we add value or bring people together to add value to the community?”

The care centers offer preventative care and wellness checks for children and adults. They also perform prenatal and postpartum care. 

“We’re looking at more of a personalized approach to care that’s holistic, whole body,” Strock said.

That personalized approach includes cancer screenings, chronic disease management for hypertension and diabetes and emergency room utilization.

The program has provided care to over 2,000 people since its August 2022 launch.

Sentara also places a focus on mental health services. Licensed clinical social workers and psychiatrists are on site. They’re also working to partner with substance use and addiction medicine programs that will offer virtual or on-site peer coaching.

“We're trying our best to find partners across the state that are already doing this care and services and just a way that we can convene folks together in a more unified way and ensure that care is provided,” Strock said.

Two care centers are located in Norfolk, while the mobile care RV operates throughout Hampton Roads. 

Sentara will soon offer services in Newport News, Richmond and other parts of Virginia.

Sentara anticipates providing direct care to more than 50 communities in 2023 through their programs.

• 
•