After discovering its pandemic-era mobile clinic RV was more lemon than lifesaver, Wayne County Health Department plans to sell the vehicle while continuing to provide mobile health services another way.
About $260,000 in federal relief money purchased the unit in early 2021, but it has struggled with myriad problems, including electrical and HVAC, according to Dan Burk, director of the health department. The RV-style unit was built by a bus company, Burk said, creating some design problems.
The county was required to own the unit five years before selling it, and Burk and the county’s fleet committee recommended to the Board of Health and the county commissioners that it now be sold in an online auction. The health board approved the sale during its March 10 meeting, and the commissioners followed suit during their March 11 meeting.
Burk said the health department wants to maintain mobile capacity through a medical trailer or possibly an RV made by an RV manufacturer.
Influenza B
Dr. Jennifer Bales, the county’s health officer, told the health board that influenza B is peaking in the area.
She said influenza B, which is more mild for adults but worse for children than influenza A, generally peaks later during flu season. Bales recommended washing hands often and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. Bales also said residents could wear a mask to prevent illness.
Union County MOU
Wayne County’s health department agreed to provide Union County with sexually transmitted infection testing; however, during the first year, no Union County residents took advantage of the staffed testing times.
Wayne County staffed the times for free, anticipating profit from treatment of individuals testing positively. Burk presented the health board with a new deal that charges Union County a $250 setup fee for each testing time.
The health board approved the agreement, which was taken to commissioners and approved the next day.
Other actions
- The health board unanimously approved further exploration of the health department self-dispensing drugs in the 340B program, which requires pharmaceutical manufacturers in the Medicaid program to sell outpatient-related medications at reduced prices to health care entities that care for uninsured and low-income people. The department could save money by not contracting with a pharmacy.
- The board granted the health department permission to apply for an emergency preparedness grant. The department received $20,000 last year.
- Commissioners appointed Sharrie Harlin to fill the board opening that Sabrina Pennington’s resignation created. Harlin was one of two candidates the health board recommended to commissioners.
A version of this article appeared in the March 18 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.