The Oklahoma Caring Van program, operated by the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, marked the achievement this week. The foundation runs nine vans that travel highways, dirt roads and remote areas to deliver preventive care at little or no cost.

“But today is much more than a number on the odometer,” said Stephanie Grober, president of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma, which funds the program along with other contributors. “It represents children receiving lifesaving immunizations, families connecting with health resources, mental health resources for our neighbors in rural Oklahoma.”

Since 1999, the program has hosted nearly 17,000 clinics and community events, offering immunizations, sports physicals, behavioral health care and preventive dental screenings. The vans have served more than 253,000 children and administered nearly 422,000 childhood vaccines, according to program figures.

Brooke Townsend, executive director of the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, said access and transportation remain significant barriers to care in a state where not every county has a health provider.

“Access and transportation are a huge issue in Oklahoma, and we don’t have providers in every county in our state,” Townsend said. “It’s really important to meet people where they spend their days.”

The program’s approach — bringing care directly to schools, community centers and neighborhoods — has been credited with removing obstacles for families who might otherwise go without checkups or vaccinations.

“Every mile traveled tells a story about removing barriers to care and meeting people where they are,” Grober said.

While the one-million-mile mark is a significant achievement, foundation leaders say their mission remains unchanged.

“The goal has always been healthier communities, greater access to care and a healthier future for Oklahoma families,” Grober said.

The Oklahoma Caring Foundation is already looking ahead to its next milestone: two million miles on the road serving families across the state.