Health Wagon

Health Wagon started its transformative journey in 1980 with a humble Volkswagen Beetle navigating Appalachia’s winding roads. Founded by Sister Bernie Kenny, it has evolved from a simple mobile clinic into a pioneering rural healthcare network in the United States, particularly impacting underserved communities in Virginia. Today, St. Mary's Health Wagon is a comprehensive network and a national model for rural health innovation.

Initially operating as a mobile clinic, Health Wagon has expanded to include two stationary clinics, four mobile units, a full-service pharmacy, and a state-of-the-art dental facility. In 2024, it facilitated nearly 29,000 patient encounters, highlighting its crucial role as a healthcare lifeline for southwestern Virginia’s most vulnerable populations.

The organization operates in a region that exemplifies some of America’s most profound healthcare disparities. Virginia's life expectancy gap between the wealthier northern regions and the impoverished Appalachian areas can exceed ten years. Health Wagon strives to bridge this divide by providing accessible, quality healthcare.

Health Wagon has been at the forefront of several healthcare innovations. In 2015, it participated in the first FAA-approved drone delivery of medication in the U.S., an achievement now featured in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. It also became the first mobile clinic to implement SpaceX's Starlink program, enabling satellite-powered telehealth services in remote areas.

The organization’s commitment to innovation extends to establishing Virginia’s first remote wound care clinic and developing comprehensive post-COVID care programs. Through collaboration with the University of Virginia, Health Wagon facilitated the world’s first remote cystoscopy procedures for bladder cancer detection, demonstrating how advanced technology can bring specialized medical services to rural settings.

Since 2016, Health Wagon has partnered with the Department of Defense to provide no-cost medical, dental, and vision services, setting a precedent for military-civilian healthcare collaborations.

Beyond providing immediate medical services, Health Wagon addresses broader social determinants of health. For example, the Owens and Hill Dental Health Clinic offers essential dental services, educational opportunities, and advanced treatments like 3D-printed dentures.