‘Passport Health’ returns to Q-C

Font Size:

By Ann McGlynn | Thursday, November 9, 2006 1:36 AM CST | () comments

They’ve got yellow fever … vaccine.

Passport Health is back.

The popular franchise that provides shots, medication and health information to about 1,000 international travelers from the Quad-Cities each year is open in a family practice physician’s offices.

Valley View Family Practice in Moline is Passport Health’s new home. Genesis Health Systems decided to discontinue the service during a round of budget cuts in July.

“I feel strongly that our community deserves a convenient, all-inclusive clinic where travelers can feel confident that they have received everything they need to stay healthy,” physician Tracey McLoone said. “It literally is a one-stop shop to get everything you need.”

The “big coup” is the hiring of Chris Hansen, the nurse practitioner who oversaw the Passport Health operation for Genesis, McLoone said.

“No one can beat Chris,” McLoone added.

McLoone’s office also is offering hard-to-get vaccines, including one to protect against the shingles and the human papilloma virus, she added.

Craig Cooper, a spokesman for Genesis Health System, said the organization is happy to hear about Passport Health’s return.

“The temporary closing of Passport Health was part of the budget process at Genesis earlier this year,” he said in an e-mail. “The intention was that the closing would only be temporary, and we are pleased that Dr. McLoone has taken over the service. We realize this is a valued service in the community, and we’re pleased it is available again.”

Valley View transformed one room in its offices into space for Passport Health, McLoone said. Once word circulates that the franchise has returned, she expects to see more than 20 patients a day.

Some of the vaccines available, in addition to the one for yellow fever, include those for typhoid fever, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis, she added.

Ann McGlynn can be contacted at (563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com.

appointments

Travelers wishing to schedule an appointment with Passport Health may contact Valley View Family Practice at (309) 757-1252. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about Passport Health, go to www.passporthealthusa.com