Have van, will travel

four women stand in front of the Hollings Cancer Center Community Health Van

Children in certain South Carolina counties are more likely to develop human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers as they grow up. That's why MUSC Hollings Cancer Center launched its Community Health Van, which travels the state with an HPV health educator and nurse on board to make it easier for children and young adults to take advantage of this important cancer prevention resource.

Preventing cancer

Every year in the United States, HPV causes more than 35,000 cases of cancer in men and women. The HPV vaccine can prevent about 90% of these cases from ever occurring.

  • The HPV vaccine is FDA-approved and extremely safe and effective.
  • The HPV vaccine is for both boys and girls. The optimal age for the first dose is 11–12, but it can be given as early as 9.
  • Your child only needs 2 doses if vaccination is initiated before age 15.
  • The HPV vaccine is long lasting and protects against 6 types of cancer.

Get your shots

The van provides vaccinations for the following, as well as cancer prevention and awareness info:

  • HPV
  • Tdap
  • Meningitis
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis A

Learn more about the van

Meet the van team

a smiling woman

Marvella Ford, Ph.D.

Dr. Marvella Ford is passionate about increasing access to health care. She directs the Office of Community Outreach and Engagement.

a smiling woman

Joan McLauren

As health educator, Joan McLauren gives parents information about the importance of vaccines and answers any questions they might have. She also drives the van!

a smiling woman

Mina Platt, LPN

With 27 years of experience in pediatrics, Mina Platt, LPN, gives vaccines and collaborates with school nurses across the state to organize school vaccine clinics.

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Melanie Slan

Program manager Melanie Slan organizes town halls to give people an opportunity to ask questions and coordinates the van's schedule.

Schedule the van

To bring the van to your community, contact Melanie Slan at slan@musc.edu or 843-876-2427.