A long-standing wellness program that has earned a national reputation as a model for holistic care coordination has opened a new location at Tabernacle of Zion in Lawrenceville. Over the past ten years, the Richmond Health and Wellness Program, led by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, has delivered weekly wellness clinics that focus on health assessment, monitoring and coaching in five community-based sites across the Richmond region. 

The program recently received a four-year federal grant of nearly $4 million that will allow it to expand into new communities with the addition of a mobile van by the year 2026. In the meantime, Tabernacle of Zion will be a host site. Other locations the Mobile Health and Wellness Program will provide services include Essex County, Southside Richmond and Petersburg.

“We can see individuals once a week, and there is not a charge for the services,” said Pamela Parsons, associate dean of practice and community engagement at VCU School of Nursing. “We are expecting to add medical care services to our program in a few years. We are looking forward to meeting new community members, helping the community stay healthy and achieve their optimal level of wellness while also training our next generation of nurses.”

There is no cost or financial screening required to participate. Individuals can partake in the clinic with either a scheduled 30-minute wellness visit or as a walk-in for unplanned or immediate needs. Through the clinic, participants can receive a holistic assessment of health needs, care coordination, goal setting, wellness coaching and support on self-management of chronic diseases. Additional assistance with transportation and housing will also be available during clinic hours. 

In addition to VCU health science students, nursing students from Southside Virginia Community College will participate in the program as well. “The program is a great training ground for students, helping to educate them on care coordination in a variety of settings and with different populations,” Parsons said.

MHWP clinics will be held every Tuesday beginning January 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 602 S. Hicks St. in Lawrenceville, Virginia at Tabernacle of Zion. Masks are preferred. Call (804) 828-0521 for more information.