The Oklahoma Lions Mobile Health Screening Unit (MHSU) is a tractor-trailer unit owned and operated by the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation (OLSF). Purchased in 1998 for $178,000, the MHSU travels throughout the state.  Staffed with local Lions Club members it offers free screenings for visual acuity, hearing, glaucoma, blood pressure, blood sugar (diabetes) and bone density.

In a unique partnership,the Lions Clubs of Oklahoma provide the volunteer labor while operational costs are paid by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma.  Freightliner's Oklahoma City and Tulsa dealerships provide storage for the unit and free service and maintenance on the tractor.

The unit is in operation approximately 100 days per year and screens between 5,000 and 6,000 persons annually.  Of those screened, 66% fail one or more of the six screenings.  This is not surprising when you consider that behavioral risk factors such as nicotine addiction and obesity in Oklahoma exceed the national average.

A majority of those using the MHSU are the rural, poor, indigent and elderly who traditionally do not seek medical attention on a regular basis.  On a positive note, a year-long survey revealed that 60% of those who fail one or more of the screenings sought medical attention within 30 days.

Any Oklahoma Lions Club may schedule the MHSU by telephoning the OK Lions Service Foundation at (405) 947-6540. Non-Lions groups interested in using the unit can contact their local Lions club, or call the Oklahoma Lions office at (405) 947-6540.

MHSU Annual Statistics