No cost healthcare is a relief for these people. Since The Good Samaritan Clinic opened a year ago, uninsured adults are spending more time here instead of the emergency room. "A lot of time they're not emergent problems. They're urgent because they've waited so long, but there is a major concern that they have access to care. If we weren't there they wouldn't have that access in many cases," says Sheri Estes Mission Services Director.
Primary care is available here one day a week. Other services include Physical Therapy and health education. Thanks to a $100,000 grant from Healthcare Georgia Foundation, the assistance will expand. "Next Tuesday we will have our first specialty clinic night and that will be once a month for now," says Estes.
This is a place of hope for many patients as volunteer doctors and nurses take special care of their needs.
"I came for abdominal pain, and as soon as the doctor saw me and she checked my abdomen she said I needed more specialty care."
In most cases if a patient needs specialty care more expense is involved, but doctors are kind enough say no charge. 82 percent of the patients using the Good Samaritan Clinic are Hispanic. "But we welcome all cultures and all people actually. Even people that don't live in Chatham County," says Estes.
Run by Saint Joseph’s/Candler, volunteers hope to eventually have Saturday Clinic.
Right now they're only open Wednesday from 6pm until 8:30 pm.
If you're interested in volunteering on the clinical, medical, clerical, or interpretation side call Sheri Estes at 912-429-6460.
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