ST. LOUIS – ThriVe’s new Mobile Medical Center brings a modern twist to the old-fashioned concept of a doctor’s house call. ThriVe, a network of Christ-centered pregnancy resource centers, is reaching people where they live to promote life.
“We’ve defined our target areas by the highest abortion rates,” Bridget VanMeans, president of ThriVe, said. “St. Louis has 5,000 abortions each year and we are praying to reduce that number by 1,000.”
The Mobile Medical Center is a 35-foot RV with two push-outs to provide space for medical examinations. Young women are able to obtain free pregnancy and STD tests. If the young woman is facing an unplanned pregnancy, ThriVe offers a variety of resources and information to help in the decision for life. In addition, the ladies are provided with free ultrasounds.
“The potential to reach so many more in need is increased with this mobile unit,” Van Means said. “We are able to go into areas which have been abandoned and there is no pro-life effort in many of these areas.”
The Mobile Center recently visited First Baptist Church of Ellisville.
“Ellisville is one of the churches supporting us as a city mission,” she said. “These churches understand the great need for these efforts in the city.”
VanMeans reports that despite the increase in gas prices, the mobile unit is still cost effective.
“The expenses are still more affordable than maintaining an office,” she said. “In addition, this mobile unit expands our locations from three to eleven. The unit will have at least eight sites on a regular rotation. All of the counselors on our help line will know when and where the Center is scheduled.”
The comfortable mobile unit is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.
“The unit is equipped with 4G internet which provides a way of sending the ultrasound images to the doctor,” VanMeans said. She also pointed out the flat-screen monitor for the woman to view her baby.
Safety for the RV, workers and clients also was considered in the design.
“We’ve formed alliances with the community so the police will recognize our message if we need help,” VanMeans said.
The RV is equipped with panic buttons if the staff needs help and a GPS signal that sends a phone message if someone comes within 100 yards of the RV when it is shut down.
More information is available at www.thrivestlouis.org or the 24/7 Helpline at 1-314-773-4626 or 1-877-773-4626.
VICKI STAMPS/contributing writer