Mobile ultrasound unit to visit Moniteau County

The new mobile unit of the Pregnancy Help Center of Central Missouri will stop at the Moniteau County Health Center 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 25.

Executive Director Leslie Kerns discussed the 6-year-old, Jefferson City-based organization's newest service with the Moniteau County Related Services group recently.

About a dozen community services providers, including the Central Missouri Community Action and the health center, attended the monthly meeting, open to anyone as a way to network available community resources.

At its permanent location, the Pregnancy Help Center served 591 unique clients last year, provided 158 ultrasounds and 266 pregnancy tests, she said. They offer classes for moms and dads, covering parenting, job preparation and Bible study.

"Our goal is to help women with unplanned pregnancies, as well as new moms," Kerns said. The mobile unit was a long-term dream for the center. But unexpected donations made it a reality sooner that planned, she said.

The converted RV, "Daisy," includes space for waiting, consultation and a private ultrasound room.

The pregnancy testing and ultrasound services, conducted by a trained registered nurse, already have travelled to Fulton and Moberly. The July visit will be its first in Moniteau County. And they hope to establish a stop in Linn, too.

The goal is to establish a monthly day, time and location for the unit to visit the community. Appointments are welcome but not necessary.

Guests to the mobile unit also will receive information or referrals to other services in their area.

"It will take a while for us to get established, so people will know when we're coming," Kerns she said.

All services are free, supported by Mid-Missouri donations. Any community interersted in having the mobile unit stop there, should call573-644-6635.

"Women's health is our primary goal; by coming closer to where the clients are, we'll better facilitate this," Kerns said.