Every week, the RV-sized Mobile Medical Unit from the Northeast Valley Health Corporation pulls up to the Santa Clarita Valley Emergency Winter Shelter on Golden Valley Road and gives free basic care for any of the clients who need it.

"It's my vision of health care," said Michael Menchaca, a nurse practitioner who sees eight to 10 patients a week.

This is the first time in recent years the shelter has been able to offer health exams for patients. A $10,000 grant from Boston Scientific means the weekly visits will take place throughout the season, which runs through March 15, said Annette Guzman, shelter manager.

Menchaca treats shelter clients who have uncomplicated chronic illnesses, ranging from the sniffles to body aches.

The most common conditions are high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, he said.

For many shelter clients, the health exams are the only option for care as many do not have money or the transportation to visit a clinic, he said. Liliana Ruvalcaba, a licensed vocational nurse, looks forward to treating patients who wouldn't normally be able to receive care.

"That just makes you feel good," she said while prepping the intake room for another night of treatment.

The health care services benefit the shelter, which has seen a spike in the number of clients who sleep in close quarters, Guzman said. By having nurses available, the shelter can treat illnesses quickly should there be any outbreaks, she said.

The unit offers an intake room, restroom and medical exam room. After handling the basic paperwork and patient intake, Ruvalcaba checks a patient's vital signs and can draw blood for additional testing, if needed.

A dispensary is onboard, allowing Menchaca and his staff to give medicine to patients and follow up with them with every visit. Staff members also are able to refer clients to the corporation's clinic in North Hollywood. The organization also maintains an office in Valencia with plans to add a second clinic in Canyon Country in 2010, Menchaca said.

Patient Carlos Herrera stepped on the mobile unit Tuesday night to see Menchaca about a pain in his leg.

Speaking through a Spanish translator, Menchaca said that it would have cost him at least $400 to see a doctor, something he just can't afford now.