Spectrum News1: COACH for Kids Mobile Clinic

Spectrum News1 recently covered the COACH for Kids Medical Mobile Unit on its visit to south Los Angeles, where Cedars-Sinai health professionals provided free healthcare services to underserved families.

Viewers joined Monique Betters and her daughter, Ebony Berts, during a routine check-up for the nine-year-old girl. The mother and daughter  chatted and joked around with COACH staff during their monthly visit to the mobile unit to keep tabs on Berts's nutrition and weight.

Betters told Spectrum News1 reporter Sarah Pilla about the challenges of helping her daughter eat healthfully. The biggest hurdle: Betters and her daughter currently live in a homeless shelter.

“I try to get her like nutritional drinks, you know things like that, but they have to go in the refrigerator, so you need a doctor’s note,” Betters told Pilla. 

During these check-ups, the COACH team also helps connect Betters with housing resources and social service agencies, Pilla explained during her report.

"It's very encouraging to come to COACH for Kids and see people who do encourage you and let you know that things will get better," Betters told Pilla.

Betters' family is among hundreds served by COACH for Kids. Four days a week, the mobile units travel to schools and federally-funded healthcare centers in underserved Los Angeles neighborhoods. COACH staff members provide free checkups, immunizations, dental screenings and other healthcare services.

Program director Michele Rigsby Pauley told Spectrum News1, "We're happy we're here to provide service for them, get them caught up with their immunizations and refer them to ongoing sources of care."

The COACH program is celebrating its 25th anniversary with Cedars-Sinai this year.

To see the full story, click here.