In recognition of National Rural Health Day, Archer Family Health Care hosted the UF Health Cancer Center Mobile Cancer Screening Connector bus and several area rural health care agencies to focus attention on the importance of rural health care.
The 40-foot-long Connector will expand access to lifesaving cancer screenings and essential health care services to North Central Florida’s largely rural areas. Services include 3D mammograms and cervical, colon, and prostate cancer screenings.
The hope is to improve the early detection of cancer by bringing services closer to patients with limited transportation or tight work obligations.
“This is such an amazing experience. We are celebrating the launch of a powerful collaboration between the cancer center and the Archer clinic. Together, we will make a true impact on our rural communities,” said Lakeshia Cousin, PhD, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, assistant director of community outreach and engagement at the UF Health Cancer Center, clinical director of the Connector and UF College of Nursing assistant professor.
Denise Schentrup, APRN, DNP, has served as the clinical director at Archer for 20 years.
“I have seen our services grow from 900 visits per year to more than 6,000 visits per year. That speaks to the need for this clinic and rural health care in general,” said Schentrup. “We service patients from Levy, Gilchrist, Marion, and Alachua counties. We have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference with these wonderful new services.”
Schentrup was also presented with the Florida Rural Health Association’s Rural Health Hero Advanced Practitioner Awards.
“Denise has exemplified what it means to be a champion for rural health. She is dedicated to advancing patient care, advocating for the underserved population, and mentoring the next generation of health care providers,” said Sarah Catalanotto, executive director of the Suwannee River Area Health Education Center/Florida Rural Health Association.
The Rural Health Partnership of North Central Florida and the Florida Voices for Health also joined the effort.
Archer Family Health Care is a nurse practitioner-led clinic managed by the UF College of Nursing and provides primary and behavioral health services for all ages. It is a federally designated Rural Health Clinic whose patients are primarily lower-income and uninsured — the clinic charges using a sliding fee scale.
“Every day, we see the barriers that our rural communities face. Every county in our area is medically underserved. This contributes to disparities in cancer outcomes and mortality rates,” Cousin said. “We knew we had to meet the communities where they are. Denise has developed deep roots in the community. It is an honor to stand by you.”
The bus offered walkup tours, as well as information and resources to cancer screening services. Several members of the community came out to look.
“It’s a beautiful bus. It’s going to help people who can’t drive very far,” said Virginia Roth, an Archer resident. “I can’t get around too well anymore, so I always appreciate having easier access to get tests done.”