A new mobile clinic is delivering vital mental health and substance abuse resources to women in Carson City, Lyon County, and Churchill County. The Empowered Go van, part of an initiative launched by the Roseman University College of Medicine in 2019, aims to support women navigating challenges related to opioid use, mental health conditions, and medication management.
The Empowered Go program addresses the needs of women affected by substance abuse or those who are pregnant. The mobile unit is staffed by two community health workers, two medical providers, and a program director, ensuring comprehensive support during its outreach efforts.
During recent visits, individuals interested in services undergo assessments that provide insights into their overall wellbeing. Shannon Lepe, program director, emphasized the importance of evaluating not just medical needs but also social determinants of health, such as housing, food security, and transportation. “We’re looking at their needs and really focusing on what contributes to their wellbeing,” Lepe stated.
The Empowered Go van recently made a stop at Friends in Service Helping (FISH) in Carson City, where community health worker Chloe Skidmore expressed her commitment to helping those in need. “There are a lot of barriers in our community, and we’re trying to alleviate some of that to provide easier access to resources,” she said. Skidmore, who holds a degree in global health, is passionate about preventive care and improving the lives of those she serves.
Another team member, Velvet Beaman, is a peer recovery support specialist with a background in criminal justice and addiction treatment counseling from the University of Nevada, Reno. She highlighted the importance of serving underserved populations. “Making sure people aren’t forgotten and have access to necessary resources is vital for our communities,” Beaman noted.
The program receives funding from the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and the UNR School of Public Health, enabling it to reach women who might otherwise lack access to critical services. Lepe mentioned that the team is also working towards becoming licensed in Storey County to further expand their reach.
For more information about the services offered by the Empowered Go program, visit Empoweredgo.org. This initiative represents a significant step forward in addressing the mental health and substance abuse needs of women across these Nevada counties.
