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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodists together |
February 2005 |
Church clinic heals medical woes for low income county
By Cynthia Dougherty
CONNERSVILLE, Ind. - Hearing God's call and with her church's support, a Connersville physician answered her call by establishing a free clinic at church.
Dr. Joann Guttman of Connersville told Together, "Fayette County has one of the highest unemployment rates in Indiana and much underemployment - people working for minimum wage, barely able to make ends meet, who have no insurance. I saw this often in my office and felt badly when I had to charge these people for care, but then I had to pay my staff and my bills."
To help those with limited financial resources, Guttman established the Community Free Clinic at First United Methodist Church of Connersville. Free basic medical care is provided during a three-hour clinic held the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
"The Community Free Clinic serves as an entry portal to the medical care system for those who are unable to afford routine medical care," says Dr. Wayne White, volunteer physician at the clinic. "We provide basic care, screening exams, simple treatment, and appropriate cost effective referrals."
Mandate from God
Guttman got the idea for the clinic a few years ago. "I feel there was some mandate from God in there. God kept bringing it to my mind in subtle ways, but I had two young children at that time and didn't feel I could spare time from them. Also, I couldn't see a place to have the clinic at that time.
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"The Community Free Clinic serves as an entry portal to the medical care system for those who are unable to afford routine medical care." - Dr. Wayne White |
"Later, as my children got into school and were able to help out more and the church put in an elevator and made the basement handicapped accessible, I started thinking about the clinic again. Pastor (William) Helms started preaching about the church becoming more involved, so I went to him with the idea."
Seven months of planning then went into making the clinic possible. The church basement was converted into a medical office complete with a large waiting room, physician and nurse work area and two patient examination rooms.
Two local physicians donated medical equipment. Other necessities were provided by local pharmacies and medical supply companies.
Open for patients
Since opening in September 2004, about 15 patients are being treated each clinic session. Six doctors, 15 nurses, and 20 office staff are volunteering their time and abilities on a rotating basis.
"We have no requirements of the patients," says Guttman. "We do not ask for any financial or insurance information. We ask for nothing but a name and a way to reach them for lab results. We simply see anyone who comes when we are open if we are able to help them with their problem."
Patients can be seen for complete physical exams, blood pressure screenings, wellness counseling, routine blood tests, treatment of minor ailments, appropriate referrals for chronic disease, pregnancy testing, pap smears, skin biopsy, laceration repair, and psychological screening and referral.
Some lab work and x-rays are being provided through donations and an agreement with a local lab and medical center. The clinic also is able to pay for mammograms through a grant from the South Indiana United Methodist Conference under an agreement with a local x-ray group.
"I am in hopes that we can relieve the suffering of some people, as well as help prevent them from becoming more seriously ill and needing hospitalization or becoming disabled, through treating their conditions now before they become serious," said Guttman. Expanding their hours and offering programs on healthy eating, diabetes prevention, and smoking cessation are future goals for the clinic.
For more information, contact Connersville First UMC at 765-825-8506 or by e-mail at fumcsbra@si-net.com.
Cynthia Dougherty, Rushville District Communications Coordinator, may be contacted at 765-663-2378 or online at csdougherty@yahoo.com.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008