INEZ, Ky. — Appalachian Regional Healthcareis partnering with the Martin County Health Department to bring much-needed women’s health services directly to the community.
Beginning Tuesday, September 30, women in Martin County will have access to specialized care at the ARH mobile clinic, parked in front of the Martin County Health Department, once a month, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Martin County Health Department will share the dates on its Facebook page. Alternatively, patients can call (606) 298-7752 to find out the dates.
Dr. Tina Gaunt will lead the new women’s health service line, providing:
- Annual well-woman exams
- Pap smears and cervical cancer screenings
- Blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes screenings
- Family planning and birth control counseling
Emily Hammonds, a primary care provider with ARH, will also be available in the mobile clinic to see patients for a range of primary care services. Appointments may be scheduled, and walk-ins are welcome.
“OB-GYN and other specialty doctor appointments have meant long trips to other communities for people in Martin County. If we ever want to be healthier, our people need better, local access to these important health services. We are partnering with ARH to begin solving this problem first through their mobile unit and soon with a more permanent presence here. It’s only the beginning toward a lasting commitment to bring better access to care here at home where we need it most,” said Eric Mills, Public Health Director at the Martin County Health Department.
The partnership between ARH and the Martin County Health Department reflects a shared commitment to addressing healthcare gaps in rural communities.
“This isn’t just parking a vehicle here for a day — this is a commitment to Martin County,” said Roy Milwee, ARH’s Chief Ambulatory Officer. “With our mobile unit, we can deliver care anywhere it’s needed throughout the mountains, and that’s what we’re going to do with it.”
“I’m excited to be here and provide these services because they are so badly needed in communities like Martin County,” said Dr. Gaunt. “Women shouldn’t have to travel hours away just to get basic preventive care. Our goal is to make sure women here have access to the screenings and support they deserve, close to home.”
Women in Martin County will now have access to consistent, local specialty care — a milestone that many in the community have been waiting for.
