Providing Access to Health Care Where Children Need It Most

By Claudia J. Lewis, Director of Community Relations, RMHC DC

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Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington DC (RMHC DC) makes an impact on one of the most critical issues today – children’s health.  Through our three core programs, we strive to create a community where children have access to quality health care and their families are able to better comfort and support them while actively participating in their care.  For 36 years, with the support of the community, we have helped keep sick children close to their families and to the care they need to heal.  9,182 children were served through our programs in 2015. 

While most people are familiar with our Ronald McDonald House program, fewer know about our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program.  Did you know that nearly 10 million children die worldwide, mostly from preventable and treatable causes?  These numbers don’t have to be this high. In fact, we don’t want them to exist at all!  That is why our KIDS Mobile Medical Clinic/Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is critical.  It provides free medical care for children in some of Washington D.C.’s most underserved neighborhoods.  This vehicle literally opens the door to health care for thousands of children.  RMHC DC is there for families when they need us the most.   

What makes the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program unique?  Because it takes a holistic multi-pronged approach of prevention and treatment.  Services range from immunizations and preventative check-ups to treatment for chronic and acute illnesses, to visual and mental health assessment and referral.  But the RM Care Mobile delivers services that go beyond treatment; they reduce reliance on emergency rooms, heighten awareness of healthy lifestyles, and more.

Today, there is an epidemic of youth obesity in the Washington DC area, which leads to a lifetime of poor health, lower quality of life, and higher costs to society.  To help combat childhood obesity, RMHC DC is launching a second RM Care Mobile program in 2016.  The new FITNESS Program will utilize a family based approach to better health.  It will work with schools in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia to focus on nutrition wellness and healthy and sustainable behavioral change. 

This new program, as well as all our programs to help children and young adults reach a better tomorrow, are possible only with the support of our community.  Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington DC is grateful for our community of friends for their gifts of health and hope.   

Our thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Greater Washington DC (RMHC DC)​ for sharing their mission and impact with us.  You can learn more about their work by visiting their website at www.rmhcdc.org. To support their efforts, please donate to RMHC DC through your company's workplace giving program (CFC#15005 if you're a military or federal employee participating in the Combined Federal Campaign).