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Blessed are the Merciful
Sometimes function follows form. Glorious eddies of color cascaded
over the master of ceremonies. He was baptized in a prismatic pool
that tumbled from the stained glass window above. The arms of a
risen Christ bent downwards as the speaker’s voice drifted
upward. “We have accomplished a lot, we really have. An idea
that was only a dream two years ago is now a reality. Many are being
helped and there are so many to thank.”
Grace Lutheran Church was the setting for the annual board meeting
this past summer of Henderson County’s first free clinic,
the Volunteer Medical Resource Center. The pride and appreciation
in the voice of the opening speaker, Executive Director Jim Robbins
was unmistakable. The pride and exhilaration in the audience was
palpable. Two years before, two of the most caring physicians in
our community, Dr. Russ Sacco and Dr. Irwin Perlmutter hatched the
idea of a free clinic to serve those most in need with the least
means to afford it. “Free” is not a word that is greeted
enthusiastically in many corners of our profit driven health care
system but they persevered until they opened a small sparse clinic
in the old abandoned East Flat Rock Elementary School. Idling slowly,
their anchor hit solid rock with the partnership of Dr. Colin Thomas
and the addition of Jim Robbins as executive director. Next aboard
came Dr. Stephen Crane who any reader of the Times-News Letters
to the Editor section will recognize as a truly compassionate human
being.
Dr. Crane writes of Jim Robbins, “Your infectious enthusiasm,
complete commitment to the mission, and tireless efforts to find
the “win-win” solution has propelled the organization
forward through an amazing first year. That, coupled with your resolve
despite having nearly every door slammed in your face that could
be slammed during the first months-Who’d have thought that
selling bibles door-to-door all those years ago would in fact be
a cagey career move?!” With the support of our four major
medical organizations and a volunteer board of directors, the Volunteer
Medical Resource Center opened it’s doors on December 13,
2001 at 506 Park Hill Court.
“Infectious enthusiasm, complete commitment to the mission”
now extends to many charitable souls. I counted on their volunteer
roster 90 individuals and 10 medical associations from every corner
of our community. What a tribute to Dr. Sacco, Dr.Irwin Perlmutter
and the human spirit. One of those volunteers who answered the call
was Diane Stepkowski. She greeted me on a recent visit to the clinic
with an infectious enthusiasm that seems to permeate the entire
place. Her answer to my question “Why?” also is reflective
of the clinic’s mission, “There was a need in the community.
It was the personal appeal--to just help. I had a real heartfelt
feeling when I heard it was for people who really couldn’t
afford it.”
Chris Bailey RN knows the need. “I have 30 years of critical
care and ER experience, so I know there is a need. In 15 years of
home nursing care, you get to see the patient with their families
so you get to see how great the family’s needs are as well.
You can see health problems that are not being met…diabetics
who go without insulin because they can’t afford it or chronic
illnesses like asthma that go untreated…Because they can’t
get help, they don’t seek help…Our clinic is not serving
the Medicaid/Medicare or private insured population. We are serving
the underinsured and the uninsured. We are serving the working poor,
those who are making $1000-$2000 per month before taxes…We
are not the new clinic in town doing the new thing. We are augmenting
the services that are already here. We work with all four health
care providers to maximize their services as well as making referrals
to all community agencies. Without us, for some people, there is
only ER which is high cost care.” Jim Robbins adds, “There
are resources for indigent care, but with all the resources-- there
aren’t enough resources. Even we have to turn away patients
ourselves. We are just trying to contribute to the total picture.”
In fact, VMRC had to turn away 5 patients in need after seeing 25
patients the Thursday before I wrote this column.
What is so impressive about the facility is that there is no hint
of a second class clinic for second class citizens. It is nestled
among a group of attractive professional medical offices off Fleming
Street and is comfortably furnished. According to Ms. Bailey, “Dr.
Crane wanted a high quality clinic that he would be proud to bring
his family to.” It is a pleasure to report that he has accomplished
that mission.
Physician care is now limited to Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.
at the clinic’s main office and on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m.
at the Rescue Mission’s Good Samaritan Clinic. (Phone: 697-8422)
The VMRC has also added a diabetes clinic Monday nights from 4-8
for management of chronic diabetes and is nurturing a fledgling
volunteer dental clinic. This intrepid group is also researching
the feasibility of a low-income pharmacy assistance program.
What greater goodness they will be able to share with their fellow
man will depend on the generosity of our community. Several millennia
ago, the Great Healer was beseeched by a suffering leper with the
words, “Lord, if you just want to, you can make me clean.”
Christ’s simple reply, “I want to.” resonates
in the hearts and hands of the workers at the free clinic-They want
to.
To my readers: If you ever wonder if I get
comments on these columns, I do occasionally. What are your thoughts
on the matter?
Email
Eva
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opinions stated in this page are those of Ms. Eva Ritchey and do
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