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Mobile Unit as a Medical Clinic

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Mobile Unit, which began service in 2007, was developed by the SMSC’s Health Department and Mdewakanton Emergency Services. The high rates of cancer of all types in Native communities as well as the need for on-site services to improve health screening rates for earlier detection of problems led to the development of the Unit.

The Mobile Unit is a 76 foot tractor trailer truck which travels to various locations around the state for mobile mammography and other health services. In 2009 dental, diabetes, and lead screenings will be added. The SMSC provides these services by working with health departments in both reservation and urban Indian communities across the state.

As a Mobile Medical Clinic it has two radiology suites: one for mammography and one for chest x-rays. These suites are fitted with state of the art digital systems that provide screening for breast and lung cancers. The digital mammography services feature less compression and therefore less discomfort for the patient and better readability for the medical staff. The digital mammograms are stored electronically aboard the Mobile Unit and then downloaded and read upon return to the SMSC. Results are then sent directly to patients and their medical providers.

The remainder of the Mobile Unit is fitted with a laboratory to screen patients for prostate cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses. There is a larger open space, which can serve multiple functions such as a temporary dental clinic.

During its first year of service, hundreds of patients received health screenings and services from the Mobile Clinic at the following locations: the Shakopee Women’s Prison, the Native American Community Clinic, the Indian Health Board, Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Upper Sioux Community, the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure event (Brainerd), the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, the Red Lake Nation, and a Homeless Mammography Project in downtown Minneapolis.

Through a cooperative agreement with the Shakopee Women’s Prison the Mobile Unit provides services to inmates about once a month. The Mobile Unit provides services to SMSC Community members and employees during monthly health screening events.

Cancer Screenings	High Quality Digital Mammography Quality Digital Chest X-Rays Experienced Registered Technologist Blood Drawing Station
Dental	Qualified Dental Hygienist Cleanings Preventive Check-Up
Endocrinology	Qualified Licensed MD with Experience in Diabetes Care Diabetes Education Diabetes Care Diabetes Screenings
Laboratory	Screenings for Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol, Lipid Panel, and Kidney Function

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