Nation's First Eco-Friendly Mobile Health Van Launched by New Jersey Non-Profit Hea...( DOVER N.J. July 1 /- Zufall Health Ce...),Health

DOVER, N.J., July 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Zufall Health Center, a federally qualified health center operating in northwestern New Jersey, today launched the nation's first eco-friendly mobile medical unit.

The Highlands Health Van will bring urgently needed, affordable health care to low-income, mostly uninsured residents of Hunterdon, Warren and Sussex counties. State and local officials commemorated the launch at a ribbon cutting ceremony in Flemington.

Designed to provide primary and preventive medical services to adults and children, the 37-foot van has been customized to be the "greenest," healthiest and most efficient vehicle of its kind.

"Our health van gives us the ability to serve a rural population -- particularly those laboring in local agriculture -- whose income, long work hours and lack of transportation have made quality health care unattainable," said Eva Turbiner, president and chief executive officer of Zufall Health Center. "By taking our services on the road, we felt a tremendous responsibility to provide a mobile treatment setting that was healthy for patients and our staff while minimizing any adverse environmental impacts."

Highlands Health Van's "green" mission was achieved by incorporating features that address energy efficiency, indoor health, water conservation and sustainability. Powered by a biodiesel engine, the van was built using many recyclable and/or naturally grown materials, a first for a community health van. Highlights include:

• 10 rooftop solar panels to produce and store electricity
• Cabinetry, paints, wall-and-floor coverings to have low-to-no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), natural microbial resistance and/or Forestry Stewardship Council certification
• Foot-controlled faucets to minimize water consumption
• Greywater recycling systems to maximize water utilization

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