Health care access in Michigan to expand through new funding to CMU

Hundreds of Michigan children and families will have increased access to preventive health care — and future health care providers will gain more hands-on training — thanks to new funding for Central Michigan University’s Mobile Health Central.

A $75,000 grant from the Towsley Foundation and a nearly $40,000 endowment established by CMU alumni Gary '66, '70 and Barbara '66, '70 Russell will fund care such as immunizations and sports physicals in rural communities. The funding also will promote health equity and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to work effectively with underserved populations.

Mobile Health Central is a mobile medical unit that has expanded health care in underserved and rural communities for more than a decade. It is equipped for multipurpose care, staffed by nurse practitioners and physician assistants, and is supported by students in CMU’s medicine, allied health, nursing, athletic training and physician assistant programs.

“People who live in rural communities are more at risk for disease and their life expectancy is lower because of a lack of access to care,” said Kathleen Hodgkins, director of clinical services in CMU's CARLS Center for Clinical Care and Education. “Going into communities and providing care is rewarding, especially when we can offer it for free.”

Grant supports preventive care

The Towsley Foundation grant will provide school and sports physicals, immunizations and basic health screenings over the next three years to families in rural, central and northern Michigan facing barriers to preventive care.

The grant will advance CMU partnerships with school districts, county health departments and community organizations. It also will promote health literacy and whole-family wellness.

The Towsley Foundation is a Michigan-based family foundation that works to maximize impact through organizations that strive to improve lives and communities.

Supporting rural areas and future health care professionals

The Gary and Barbara (Anderson) Russell Mobile Clinic Fund was created to provide future health care providers hands-on educational experiences while also benefiting communities.

The former teacher and school librarian have given more than $335,000 to CMU through the years, for causes that create positive change, provide student experiences and expand awareness of the university. Their newest endowment will fund mobile health clinics, physicals, hearing screenings and other special projects.

“Transportation is a barrier to health care in rural areas; there is such a need for health care professionals,” Gary said. “Our support of Mobile Health Central continues to engage students in addressing this need while also allowing them to be innovative and try new things. It also raises the visibility of CMU’s excellent health care programs.”

Their previous gifts include an endowment for the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions and funding for the College of Medicine, Museum of Cultural and Natural History and the College of Education and Human Services. They’ve also supported programs such as men’s basketball and the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government.

“Establishing endowments has allowed us to spread our gifts over several years yet still make a difference,” Gary said. “Thousands of CMU graduates have income at the same level as ours. If we can do it, you can, too. Alumni gifts change lives.”

Gary earned a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in educational administration from CMU. He was a high school social studies teacher before moving to Washington D.C. to pursue a career in government. Barbara also earned a bachelor’s degree in social science as well as a master's degree in library sciences: school librarianship. She taught kindergarten before becoming a school librarian.

“The Towsley Foundation and Russells have stepped forward to expand the impact of Mobile Health Central,” said Jennifer Cotter, vice president for Advancement. “Their deep commitment to others will forge a path for providing preventive health care in communities where it is needed the most.”

Mobile Health Central was established in 2014 through a generous gift from The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation.