Parkland launching new initiative aimed at broadening access to family planning services

In partnership with Trust Her and Dallas College, mobile unit will offer contraceptive counseling and STI screenings

Parkland Health, in collaboration with Trust Her, an initiative of the nonprofit Child Poverty Action Lab (CPAL), is deploying a new mobile clinic dedicated to enhancing access to family planning and women’s health services in Dallas. The Women’s Wellness Mobile Clinic will be stationed at Dallas College campuses throughout the county.

This new program, aimed at serving the health and reproductive planning needs of young adults, was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 23, at Dallas College Mountain View Campus.

Funded entirely by philanthropic dollars with a lead gift directed to CPAL from Communities Foundation of Texas’ W.W. Caruth, Jr. Fund and other philanthropic dollars provided by generous donors to the Parkland Health Foundation, this mobile clinic represents a major step forward in addressing the need for accessible family planning and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening services in the region.

“This new women’s wellness mobile clinic underscores Parkland’s continued dedication to meeting the diverse needs of women and girls across Dallas County, and the critical role philanthropy coupled with public resources plays in improving access to high-quality healthcare,” said Michael Horne, EdD, MPP, president and CEO, Parkland Health Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for our partners at CPAL and the other philanthropic investors who have made this possible.”

“Accurate information and access to birth control decreases unwanted pregnancies and allows for family planning that increases the chance that babies will be brought into the world at a time when their parent(s) are better able to nurture and support them,” said Clay Lewis Jenkins, Dallas County Judge.

By leveraging the medical expertise of Parkland and the resources of Dallas College and Trust Her, this partnership seeks to break down barriers to healthcare access and empower individuals to take control of their reproductive health. The mobile unit will offer a comprehensive range of services, including contraceptive counseling, STI screenings, sexual health education and more.

“Trust Her is committed to closing the gap for the tens of thousands of uninsured and low-income women in Dallas County who are seeking contraception but face barriers,” said Kate McCollum, Senior Director of Reproductive and Maternal Health for CPAL. “A mother’s health is inextricably linked not only to the health of her children but also to their future economic mobility. By supporting community clinics in the Trust Her network to provide patient-centered and same-day access to family planning services, and through institutional partnerships like this, we can come together to meet women and girls in their communities and break down access barriers that have multi-generational impact.”

“We understand the challenges students are faced with and that can be a barrier to pursuing their education at Dallas College. Partnerships with community agencies like Parkland and Trust Her allows us to build capacity for our learner care approach where we intentionally focus on wellness and support from coaching to financial aid to health care,” added Beatriz Joseph, EdD, vice chancellor student success and interim president Mountain View. “Making these services more conveniently located on our campuses will help us better meet the needs of the whole student and foster a healthier and more productive learning environment.”

Staffed by a multidisciplinary team of advanced practice providers, nurses and financial counselors from Parkland, it will serve as a vital resource for individuals seeking confidential and compassionate care.

“We are excited to unveil this innovative mobile unit, which represents the ongoing commitment to promoting reproductive health and wellness in our community,” said Carmen Bowling, DNP, RN, Senior Vice President, Women & Infants Specialty Health (WISH) at Parkland. “Parkland has long been dedicated to providing quality care to the Dallas community at every stage of life, and this is just another tangible example of that promise.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony featured remarks from key stakeholders, including Dallas County Judge, Clay Lewis Jenkins; Dallas College Chancellor, Justin Lonon, DM, and Vice Chancellor of Student Success and Interim President – Mountain View Campus, Beatriz Joseph, EdD; Parkland President and CEO, Fred Cerise, MD, and Parkland Senior Vice President of WISH, Carmen Bowling, DNP, RN; and CPAL Senior Director of Reproductive and Maternal Health, Kate McCollum.

Attendees had the opportunity to tour the mobile unit and learn more about the services it will provide. This initiative emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing critical healthcare needs for the broader Dallas community.

For more information on the services provided at Parkland, please visit our website at www.parklandhealth.org.