"Come on guys, you aren't bullet proof!"

This was the comment on the Coonamble Rotary Club social media page when it was announced that Mherv (Men's Health Education Rural Van), was visiting the Western Plains during August.

Supported by Rotary Clubs of NSW, Mherv has been on the road since 2008. Originally a borrowed caravan, Mherv is all about addressing the incidence of men late presenting with medical issues and poor health events among rural men.

Mherv is set up to screen middle aged and older men in NSW rural communities to see if simple tests, identifying men’s health issues earlier, thereby bringing them to a doctor before otherwise treatable conditions became too serious.

Eight towns were sampled in Mherv's initial trip, including Narromine, Cobar, Bourke and Nyngan. In 2013 it was decided to commission a strong, purpose-built caravan to continue the work.

Mherv has changed over the years, and in July this year, the latest version of Mherv was purchased and is about to tour the Western Plains.

Mherv has a full-time registered nurse travelling with the project and local Rotary clubs proudly support Mherv's visit by helping out with accommodation and meals for the RN, and also providing a laundry service.

Rotarians also liaise with the local council, police and others for the van’s main-street or alternative parking, in places where rural men gather. Local Rotarians will staff the registration desk outside the caravan and work with the local media to gain publicity prior to Mherv’s arrival.

Heath checks are free and quick and no appointment is necessary. A check of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar level only takes about ten minutes.

Mherv will be at Coonamble on August 16th and at Gilgandra on August 17th from 9.30am to 3.30pm, so keep an eye out.

"Come down for a free health check," proud supporters, the Rotary Club of Coonamble encourage. "Ladies are more than welcome to come down for a free health check as well."