HEALTH PARTNERS FREE CLINIC
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : d*b@h******************c.o*g
Mission Statement
Health Partners Free Clinic exists to serve the residents in and around Miami County with quality healthcare for the uninsured or under-served.
About This Cause
Free medical clinics have been lifesavers to thousands of people lacking health insurance for many years. Everyone was hopeful that with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), everyone would have health care coverage. Thankfully, many people did get coverage and are healthier today because of that. However, in Miami County alone there are 8,000 individuals without health care coverage of any kind. We have come to realize that the need for free and charitable clinics will not go away any time soon. In fact, the need is great; it is urgent, and it is not going away. The following is a brief description of our various program components: Medical Care Prescription Assistance Diagnostic Testing Case Management Insurance Enrollment (Medicare, Medicaid, Market Place) Medical Care: With the assistance of staff nurse practitioners and volunteer physicians, direct patient medical care is provided at both, scheduled appointment times and walk-in clinic times. Since moving into the Paul G. Duke Health Center in 2007, we have been able to offer care for both chronic illness (long term illnesses such as high blood pressure) as well as acute illness (short illnesses such as sore throats). Patients may come to the clinic with a vague complaint of “I don’t feel well”, or think they have the flu based on perceived symptoms and on further examination we realize that the patient has a chronic disease state, such as diabetes, which causes the appearance of these symptoms. With a patient in this situation we can start her/him on a medication for the diabetes and then schedule an appointment to follow up with a nurse visit. We follow them closely until we know their disease is well controlled and they have a clear understanding of their disease and how to manage it. Prescription Assistance: A critical component of anyone’s health care is the ability to take medications as directed. We have all heard the stories about people making decisions between buying medications and buying food. Our patients are making those types of decisions routinely. Health Partners provides all medications at no cost to qualifying patients. In order to qualify, patients must provide their most recent tax forms and a picture ID. Last year we provided over 12,000 prescription medications at no cost to the patient! Diagnostic/Lab Testing: Many patients need blood work, x-rays and/or other testing such as carotid studies or venous studies. Health Partners collaborates with several venders to leverage our dollars for the best possible return on our investment while providing essential services to our patients at no cost. Without this testing, our medical professionals would be unable to provide the quality health care that we pride ourselves on here at Health Partners. Case Management: Very early in our history, Health Partners recognized that many people are dealing with multiple issues which include illness, but extend far beyond just their physical illness. Very often, the pressures of social need contribute to the harmful effects of poor health. Our Case Managers address not only the Social Determinants of Health, but also assist navigating appointments with specialists, ensuring transportation needs are met and assessing the need for available prevention examinations that are available. We have a strong relationship and collaborative connection with social service agencies, schools and many work sites. Education Sessions Health Partners recognizes the importance of education sessions for our patients. We have pharmacy students, volunteer nurses and others available to provide patient education. In 2021, even with COVID-19 hampering activities, Health Partners provided 516 medication education sessions; 156 disease management sessions and 493 lifestyle and prevention sessions. All sessions were one-on-one. In the future we hope to increase with class room style sessions. Insurance Enrollment: We have a licensed Insurance Navigator and a certified OSHIIP Counselor. Both individuals are available to assist with enrollment throughout the year. As our patients turn 65 years old, they receive counseling (if desired) to enroll in Medicare.