The Health Wagon

Improving health outcomes for people with diabetes in rural Appalachia

Location: Virginia
Website: The Health Wagon
Donation or Grant amount: $50,000

The Health Wagon was founded more than 40 years ago to provide access to integrated medical care for some of the most underserved populations in the rural Appalachian Mountains. Through both mobile and stationary clinics across southwest Virginia, The Health Wagon served more than 7,000 patients in 2024 Specifically the nonprofit oversees five mobile health units, three stationary clinic sites, a dental clinic, a vision clinic and a pharmacy.

The Health Access Hero Award grant will support The Health Wagon’s dental clinic located in a medically underserved community that is also a designated health professional shortage area. Diabetic and pre-diabetic patients will learn about the importance of oral hygiene to diabetes management and receive treatment as necessary. All patients will be tested for undiagnosed diabetes and possible integration into the program. The grant is expected to enable an additional 700 patients to get critical care that can have long-term affects on health and wellness.

Southwest Virginia has one of the most vulnerable populations in the nation, and The Health Wagon is all about removing barriers to care. Being able to provide access to oral healthcare is like icing on the cake for our diabetic patients,” said CEO and President Dr. Teresa Owens Tyson. “Thanks to the Health Access Hero Award, we can profoundly impact these patients’ lives, from eliminating pain and reducing diabetic symptoms, to improving and even extending their lifespans. There is so much synergy here for truly integrated care, and we are profoundly grateful for this astounding award.