Reaching out to provide Equitable Accessible Care for the Homeless.
The Pool has provided care to homeless patients since opening the doors of the free clinic in 2005. As a natural extension of that care, PA Strain partnered with Hope for the Homeless to provide medical assessment on outreach, visiting encampments in wooded areas, under bridges, in vacant houses, abandoned buildings and warehouses. Dr. Schulman joined the team a year ago devoting dozens of hours to the project. Over the last two years, the Pool has provided first aid and evaluation in the field and then enrolled those in need in the clinic for medical care and routine follow-up.
A significant obstacle to consistent care has always been transportation and compliance. To address the problems compounded in the homeless population and care for the increasing number of persons with medical problems identified on outreach or referred by other agencies, the REACH Clinic was opened. The Pool participated in the Stand Down 2008 for the Homeless and was able to enroll several patients referred by the medical stations for the first REACH clinic. Information cards were also provided for social service agencies and law enforcement personnel who have contact with homeless persons daily.
REACH is open Wednesdays from 2:00pm-5:00pm. Patients housed in missions such as Mother Stewart House, Rescue Mission or Salvation Army are given bus passes by those agencies and transportation for chronically homeless clients is provided by Hope of the Homeless. Patients are provided medical care, lab testing as needed and medication samples or gift cards. Anyone needing long term medications is enrolled in patient assistance programs. Outreach coordinator Brian Crowder, a licensed addiction counselor remains on site to provide his services. Layne Richardson, our favorite taxi driver blesses us with additional transportation when needed.
After clinic, the patients join everyone for fellowship at the Wednesday evening meal provided by Chef Pat and the New Room Outreach Ministries of Grace Community Church. The food pantry and clothes closet are also open.
Last week, patients and volunteers decorated the Christmas tree in the clinic and set-up tables in the fellowship hall. We discovered Danny's talent for grilling chicken and expect he will be back weekly. Everyone was taken back to their camps in time to beat the rainstorm.
12.06.2008
3.30.2008
The Dentist Will See You Now!
On February 20th, Dr. Jack Ratley welcomed his first patient to the Pool of Siloam Dental Clinic. Dr. Ratley has been providing urgent dental care in his private practice at no cost to our patients on referral for over three years. He donated his dental equipment to the Pool and his son, Mark Ratley covered the cost of installation. With the help of dental assistant, Grace, Dr. Ratley is holding clinics two afternoons a week.
The arrival of the Ratleys has been no less than incredible. Jack, Mark, Tricia and Grace were on VIM missions with Terry and Dr. Strain in Mexico where the original discussions about the need to start a clinic in our own community began. Heads up to the rest of you who were blessed by cold showers, the 4 am sidwalk sweeper and the goats and chickens at the Quiet House. God may be calling you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Bednar Clan on a Mission
the Bednar family of Cleburne, Texas spent the day volunteering at the clinic. Amy took over nursing duties and lab draws, former Navy medic Dave helped with vitals and intake and the rest of the clan worked in the food bank and pharmacy.
