THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 11, 1996 TAG: 9610090142
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 73 lines
Since the first patient walked through the doors of the Chesapeake Care Free Clinic in October 1992, more than 10,000 people have been treated there.
Dr. Juan Montero established the clinic in hope of providing medical care for people he referred to as the ``working poor,'' those without insurance benefits who do not qualify for Medicaid or Medicare programs. He estimated that about 30,000 Chesapeake residents cannot afford the medical attention they need.
After four years of operation, the clinic is firmly established, and specialty programs, health care sessions and new services have caused it to outgrow its Sparrow Road location.
When it opened, the clinic provided mostly primary health care. Now, services include gynecology, dermatology, podiatry, psychiatry and neurology. New services recently added provide treatment for dental extractions, hypertension, diabetes and teen health concerns. Also, there are teaching sessions for diabetes and asthma self-management. In November, a pediatric clinic will open Tuesday evenings.
``Many people face unbelievable barriers in trying to get help,'' said Janet Call, the clinic's executive director. ``A lot of people will tolerate suffering and pain because they do not have the financial means to get help.''
Call, a nurse practitioner and adjunct professor at Old Dominion University, serves on the clinic's board of directors. At the clinic, she co-ordinates the volunteers, reviews patient files, monitors the budget and often calls patients at home when she has a concern about their condition or medication.
She can relate story after story about those who wait their turn at the walk-in office, which is open twice a week.
An asthmatic patient was going to lose her job at a fast-food restaurant until the clinic donated a nebulizer to help her breathe well enough to work again.
Another patient was discovered to have breast cancer. With the clinic's assistance, the woman received full care from surgery through radiation treatment. The woman is back at work with a good chance for full recovery, Call said.
The clinic provides routine lab checks for a young, diabetic man who works as a carpenter. Although he could afford insulin, without insurance he could not afford frequent check-ups.
With the clinic's help, a patient who was unemployed because of drug addiction and heart disease received bypass surgery and drug rehabilitation. The man has recovered and is working as a welder.
``Our philosophy is always to follow through until the proper care has been received.'' Call said. ``We try to keep our system simple in order to make an uncaring health care system finally address the needs of the working, uninsured poor.''
In a community, individuals should work together to care about others, Montero added.
Chesapeake General Hospital provides diagnostic testing, radiology and pathology services for the clinic while community volunteers staff the office.
``And our volunteers really make the clinic shine,'' said Ernesto Guarin, the volunteer coordinator.
Nurses, pharmacists, counselors and receptionists give their time to cover shifts.
Guarin manages more than 135 volunteers each month and plans meals to feed the helpers. About 36 doctors participate at the clinic, and about 70 others see patients referred to them.
Pediatric nurses, pharmacy technicians and a patient data entry operator are needed, Call said.
The greatest need, however, is for a donated building of 2,000 square feet or more, Call said. With more space, the pharmacy, dental clinic and health education programs could be expanded. The clinic's board of directors would also like to add an eye-care unit, she said. MEMO: For additional information or to volunteer or donate, call
Chesapeake Care Free Clinic at 366-0031.For additional information or to
volunteer or donate, call Chesapeake Care Free Clinic at 366-0031. by CNB