January 29, 2026

EveryStep's Suitcase Clinic Removes Healthcare Hurdles for Iowa Families

Nine months ago, EveryStep rolled out something new – literally.  In May 2025 the first Suitcase Clinic – a nursing station on wheels – was mobilized thanks to the generous support of Molina Healthcare of Iowa.  EveryStep Registered Nurse Kelsey Jellings was chosen to pioneer the project.

“It's an interesting situation to start a position that no one's ever had before because we're just changing it, tweaking it here and there where we can,” says Kelsey, “But it's going really well.”

As the name suggests, EveryStep’s Suitcase Clinic starts with a suitcase.  Everything that Kelsey needs to screen for or educate about dozens of health concerns are packed inside.  “Lead screens, dental screens, depression screens, oral health screens and fluoride applications, pregnancy or postpartum education, breast-feeding support - those are the big ones,” Kelsey says.

EveryStep’s Suitcase Clinic works in partnership with Iowa’s WIC program.  Kelsey travels to WIC locations in the metro and other outreach locations in the Polk, Warren, Dallas and Madison County area.  There, WIC staffers refer clients to Kelsey for necessary screenings onsite or for help accessing more resources – often through other EveryStep programs.

“A couple weeks ago, I saw a kiddo whose family was uninsured.  She was four and she had cavities,” says Kelsey, “(The family) talked to … EveryStep Intake because there were additional needs that we could meet.  So now I’m meeting with (mom) to help her with birth control and we’re helping her to fill out some other applications for resources.”  Kelsey says more often than not, that is the case when she meets with families.

By partnering with WIC, EveryStep is able to be front-and-center to help at-need families.  Kelsey says she’s been amazed by their staff and mission as well.  “It's fun to learn more things about the community and learn a lot more about what WIC does. That's been really fun.”