The Health Wagon: Healthcare on Wheels in Appalachia
🎙️ This Week on The Heart of Giving:Teresa Tyson shares the remarkable story of The Health Wagon, America's oldest mobile free clinic serving Central Appalachia. Three powerful moments: "We were founded by Sister Bernie Kenny... She actually started the clinic first of all in the back of a Volkswagen Beetle, just going up and down these mountain roads. That was over 40 some years ago." "Virginia is an incredibly wealthy state... but there's no other state in the nation that has such extremes in healthcare or disparities between the have and have nots in the state of Virginia." "You can't do this work and really not be changed... My dad was a coal miner... I remember when I was a little girl he would tie a belt around his leg so that he did not feel that pain... I just do it from that aspect of helping another." Last week, Rick Lofgren of COTA shared how his organization helps families manage the overwhelming costs of organ transplants - from $2 million surgeries to lifetime medication expenses. His discussion revealed how community support can make life-saving care possible for families in crisis. If you missed it, it's a must-listen conversation about making healthcare accessible to those who need it most. New episodes every Tuesday on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. Support the show at give.org. #HeartOfGiving #Healthcare #RuralHealth #Nonprofits