Mary’s Health Wagon: Delivering Hope and Healthcare in Central Appalachia
What began in 1980 with a humble Volkswagen Beetle winding through the Appalachian Mountains has become a lifeline for thousands in Central Appalachia. Inspired by Sister Bernie Kenny, a nurse practitioner with the Medical Missionaries of Mary, and the Appalachian nuns from St. Mary’s Hospital, the Health Wagon was created to serve the medically underserved—one patient, one community at a time. That simple act of service, born from faith and compassion, laid the foundation for what is now one of the most innovative rural healthcare organizations in the United States. A Legacy of Leadership and Transformation
In 1993, a young nurse named Teresa Tyson joined the Health Wagon as its first employee. By 2006, the mantle of leadership was passed to her, and she now serves as President and CEO. Under Dr. Tyson’s leadership, the Health Wagon has grown into a comprehensive, collaborative, and integrative healthcare network, transforming access to care across some of Virginia’s most underserved regions. From a Beetle to a Beacon of Care
Today, the Health Wagon operates two stationary clinics, four mobile units, a full-service pharmacy, and a state-of-the-art dental clinic, offering free medical, dental, and pharmacy services to thousands in need. In 2024 alone, the organization facilitated nearly 29,000 patient encounters—each one a testament to its mission of providing accessible, quality healthcare with dignity and compassion. Battling Disparities with Innovation
The Health Wagon works in a region where a ten-year life expectancy gap separates Appalachia from more affluent parts of Virginia. To bridge this divide, the Health Wagon embraces cutting-edge solutions. In 2015, it became the first organization to complete an FAA-approved drone delivery of medication, a feat now honored in the Smithsonian. And in recent years, it became the first mobile clinic in the nation to offer telehealth via Starlink, extending care into the region’s most remote hollows. Leading the Way in Remote Medicine
Pioneering efforts continue through partnerships with the University of Virginia, resulting in world-firsts like remote cystoscopy for bladder cancer detection, telehealth wound care, and post-COVID recovery programs. Through collaboration with the Department of Defense, the Health Wagon has also hosted Innovative Readiness Training missions since 2016, bringing free medical, dental, and vision care to Appalachia via U.S. military medical teams. More Than Medicine: A Holistic Approach
St. Mary’s Health Wagon takes a whole-person approach to care. Its Owens and Hill Dental Health Clinic provides advanced procedures and education opportunities, including 3D-printed dentures. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy, the first free pharmacy in the region, has dispensed over $25 million in life-saving medications—ensuring that no patient has to choose between healthcare and basic needs. Community-Centered Outreach
The Health Wagon tackles the root causes of poor health through partnerships with food banks, transport providers, and social services. Its annual Move Mountains Medical Mission (M7)—formerly Remote Area Medical (RAM) Health Expedition—founded by Dr. Tyson, Sister Bernie Kenny, Stan Brock, and JoElla Dales in 1999, has become the largest outreach clinic of its kind in the U.S., delivering care to over 100,000 patients to date. Vision 2025–2030: Breaking New Ground
Looking ahead, the Health Wagon’s vision for the next decade includes:
Mobile endoscopy units for cancer screening
The nation’s first mobile CT scanner for cardiac and lung diagnostics
A mobile surgical unit for cataract procedures
Expanded dental and pharmacy services
The Rural Sky Disaster RAPID Response Initiative for emergency medical outreach
These advancements build on the organization’s mission to bring specialized healthcare directly to rural communities, eliminating geographic and financial barriers to care. Recognized and Respected Worldwide
National media coverage—60 Minutes, CBS Nightly News, Nightline—and recognition from organizations like the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations underscore the Health Wagon’s global leadership in rural healthcare innovation. A Model for the Nation
From its spiritual roots and humble beginnings to its national acclaim, St. Mary’s Health Wagon remains a beacon of equity, resilience, and compassionate care. With every innovation, every partnership, and every mile traveled, the Health Wagon demonstrates that lasting change is possible—and that rural America deserves healthcare that’s not only accessible, but extraordinary. To learn more or support their mission, visit www.thehealthwagon.org or follow along on social media.
