Perkins Specialized Transportation of Indianapolis, Ind., has donated a 48' trailer to Truck Stop Events, to use on its 2007 National Health Tour.

The trailer’s exterior will be decaled with the National Health Tour logo, while the inside will be equipped with health screening equipment and health education materials. The result – a traveling classroom and medical diagnostic center – will travel to more than 40 truckstops and eight truck shows, giving truck drivers a chance to receive free medical tests and information on how to lead a healthy lifestyle as a professional truck driver.
Screenings may include eye and ear examinations, blood withdrawal and testing, blood pressure testing, blood sugar testing (to check for diabetes) and a test for bone density. At each tour stop, a tent will also be set up outside the trailer, where drivers will be asked preliminary questions about their health and lifestyle choices.
The classroom setting inside the trailer will provide drivers an opportunity to learn more about how stress, smoking and obesity can affect their job performance and overall quality of life. Drivers struggling with obesity will have the option of enrolling in a 3-, 6- or 12-month program that, with the assistance of counselors, will help them lose weight.
All parts of the screening are voluntary; a driver may elect for some of the tests but is not required to take any or all of the tests in order to talk to a professional or receive the educational materials.
“No one has ever done this for truck drivers, and we’re thrilled to be a part of it,” said Kevin Donelson, director of equipment and driver programs at Perkins. “Our owner-operators, and truck drivers in general, play a vital role in supplying goods and services to the rest of the world. They need to be healthy and in good condition. We recognize this and want to do what we can to help them.”
To learn more about Perkins Specialized Transportation, visit www.perkinsspecialized.com.
To learn more about the National Health Tour, visit www.truckstopevents.com.