Beacon Community Impact van gets a fresh look as it delivers health care to the community

A makeover of the Beacon Community Impact van, which delivers health services directly to those who need them most, has created a vibrant and easily recognizable mobile healthcare unit. This vehicle not only serves as a means for delivering care but also acts as a symbol of hope and support for the communities it serves.

The van is an important part of several Community Impact programs. One of these initiatives is the sickle cell program, established in 1993 at Beacon. This program offers comprehensive case management and support for both adults and children grappling with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder known for its impact on families.

“Sickle cell is a very expensive disease, and it can create real hardships for families,” said Kimberly Green Reeves, executive director, Beacon Community Impact. “This van allows us to bring these families the resources and education they need, right to their own homes.”

The program’s reach is significant, currently serving 71 patients across north central Indiana. Some individuals have relied on the program for more than 20 years. In one particularly affected family, two out of seven children have sickle cell disease.

This spacious van serves as a mobile hub, transporting a dedicated team of Beacon associates to meet each family’s unique needs. The team visits patients to check on them after a sickle cell crisis, which is marked by incredible pain. Beyond crisis management, the team provides ongoing support and education.

In addition, the van holds plenty of supplies, creating a mini store where families can use earned BABE coupons to shop for essential items at BABE stores.

The van’s recent makeover helps ensure that Beacon staff are easily recognizable when they drive into a neighborhood. The Beacon mission statement, “We deliver outstanding care, inspire health and connect with heart,” is printed on the sides of the vehicle.

This enhanced visibility reinforces Beacon’s commitment to accessible, community-based healthcare, bringing care directly to those who need it most.

“We wanted to ensure that Beacon’s presence in the community is visibly positive,” Green Reeves said. “Sometimes families don’t know what to expect when a strange car pulls up to their home. With a van that is clearly marked ‘Beacon Health System,’ they know someone has come to take care of them and provide services in the home.”