A Day in The Life of The Oklahoma Caring Vans

[MUSIC PLAYING] NARRATOR: We are making a difference in these communities. We are making these kids healthier, and they wouldn't be receiving this type of care if we weren't out here. My day with the Caring Van typically starts out with a phone call to the site which I'm going to be taking the Van to that day. I confirm the time and make sure all my paperwork is in order. Then I clean the van and disinfect the counters. I stock the van with supplies and the fun giveaways for the kids. After all that is done, I head out to pick up the nurse at the health department and go to our clinic. We see different age groups at different locations. Our first stop today is here at the Union Schools Enrollment Center. Oklahoma schools require children to have specific vaccinations in order to attend classes, so we are giving those vaccinations to these kids who are heading back to school. GIRL 1: I think it's important to have these shots because it's good for your health and it helps you stay strong. BOY 1: While you are getting enrolled for school, you can get your shot first. NARRATOR: Since the Caring Van program started, we have provided more than 230,000 shots to children in need. And it is not just me out here, it takes a team effort, and we have an amazing group of people who operate five vans that travel all over Oklahoma, giving vaccinations to children who may not receive them otherwise. In fact, Jamie is on the other side of town right now with another van at a Reasors grocery store. That is another one of our public clinics, and since it is back-to-school time, the vans are very popular. JAIME: There's a great need for the care that we provide...for instance, the uninsured population can't just go into a doctor's office and get their kids taken care of. So, we provide the affordability factor for that particular parent. JASON: It's great for Reasons to partner with the Caring Van, because we want the community to understand that we care about them, and more important than that, we want to encourage their family...to be a support to them, and having the Caring Van out is a great part of that. NARRATOR: After the last child is immunized and the clinic is over, it's time to pack up and head back to the office, drop off the nurse, clean out the van, and get it ready to go back out to do the same thing tomorrow! It's a never-ending job, but it's a rewarding one. We are out in all types of weather, and sometimes the kids don't like the shots too much, but in the end I know we are helping these families, helping the community, and it makes it all worth it. JAIME: My favorite part is the little ones that come on the van. I like helping kids, and this is an opportunity to do just that. TINA: To know that you've helped many children by going out and working every day and doing something good for the benefit of the kids in Oklahoma. JAIME: We help them along the process, and the best thing I get out of it is when they leave out of my van and they say "thank you." That takes care of everything I need in a day. [MUSIC ENDS]