Media Contact:
Mikel Wadewitz
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
401-369-9206
mikelw@thundermisthealth.org
For Immediate Release
Thundermist’s New Mobile Medical Unit, “Rolling Thunder” Hits the Road, Bringing Care Directly to People in Their Communities
Woonsocket, RI (May 20, 2026)–Thundermist Health Center is proud to announce its new mobile medical unit has hit the road and is now visiting three communities across Rhode Island: Woonsocket, West Warwick, and South County. Rolling Thunder was made possible with funding support from UnitedHealthcare, the Champlin Foundation, and the CharterCARE Foundation.
The 37-foot vehicle nicknamed “Rolling Thunder” is open to everyone, regardless of insurance carrier or status, with no appointment needed. It includes a full exam room, patient waiting area, as well as an additional private space that can be used for counseling appointments or other meetings. Rolling Thunder currently offers a variety of services, including basic checkups and health screenings, behavioral health appointments, help with insurance enrollment, referrals for other services, and more. Staff onboard typically include a medical provider, community health worker, and behavioral health clinician. Individuals do not need to be established Thundermist patients to receive care.
“There are many Rhode Islanders who do not have access to a primary care physician or cannot make it to their healthcare appointments for a variety of reasons,” Thundermist President and CEO Chuck Jones says. “Rolling Thunder helps bridge gaps for the communities we serve by literally meeting people where they’re at and giving them access to providers and support teams who can ensure they are engaged in care.”
Rolling Thunder is currently visiting a number of community partner sites weekly, including the Jonnycake Center for Hope in Peace Dale on Wednesdays; Connecting for Children & Families in Woonsocket on Thursdays; and the West Warwick Public Library on Fridays. Additional locations may be added in the spring and summer, depending on demand. So far this year, approximately 100 patients have accessed services on the unit.
“We’re proud to support Thundermist’s mobile medical unit to ensure Rhode Islanders have low-barrier access to comprehensive care,” Michael Florczyk, chief executive officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Rhode Island, says. “When care is easily accessible it leads to better health outcomes, and we’re excited for the many ways that this new unit will improve the overall health of the community.”
While “walk-on” visits are welcome, Thundermist also offers appointments on Rolling Thunder. Patients can call 401-767-4100 to schedule an appointment. For additional information—and for the most up-to-date locations Rolling Thunder will visit each week, please see www.thundermisthealth.org/services/mobile-medical-unit/.
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Thundermist Health Center is a full-service primary care provider that also offers dental and behavioral health services. The nonprofit community health center aims to improve the health of patients and communities by delivering exceptional healthcare and removing barriers to that care. Thundermist has locations in West Warwick, Woonsocket, and South County and also operates Convenient Care walk-in medical services. Thundermist provides services regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. In 2025, Thundermist cared for more than 65,000 patients. Learn more at thundermisthealth.org or @thundermisthc.