Falling through the cracks
By Ken Burger
Monday night and the waiting room at the free medical clinic on Maybank Highway is full. Half are Hispanic, some are black, a few are white.
While our nation once again considers the political possibilities of universal health care, the uninsured in America keep falling through the cracks of good intention.
Here at the Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic, that reality stares back at you, unable to speak English, running a fever, confounded by the system.
A few miles down the road is a government clinic that's supposed to help all-comers. But, as one patient put it, "It takes too long over there. You better bring breakfast, lunch and dinner if you're waiting for help over there."
That's why they show up here in numbers, without an appointment, on Monday nights — walk-up night at the free clinic.
This is where the safety net is strung tight but thin, just above the abyss of medical oblivion.
Charity golf
In only its second year, this charitable safe haven is free from government red tape because it takes no federal funds. The money it takes to see and treat our indigent neighbors comes from private grants and a caring community.
Just 15 miles away, behind the gates of Kiawah, people played golf on this rainy Monday afternoon, raising enough money to keep the doors open for three months.
For the most part, the clinic is staffed by volunteers. Up to 16 physicians, 15 nurses and more than 20 office volunteers give their time to see that these people get medical help.
"These are the folks who, when they get sick and can't afford to go to a primary care doctor, wait until it becomes an emergency and go to the emergency room," explained Eugenia Beach, executive director of the clinic that serves Johns and James Island. "So what would have cost $150 in a private physician's office, now costs between $700 and $1,000 in the ER. And there's still no continuity of care."
Unfortunately, medical care for too many of our citizens is dialing 911. This model not only reduces trips to our overwhelmed emergency rooms, it tries to treat the whole patient.
Patient patients
Open Monday nights from 6-9, the clinic is a place where Debra Edwards of Ravenel can seek help with her cataracts, Ethel Brown of Wadmalaw Island can see a doctor for a physical, Lisa Bennett can obtain her blood pressure medicine; and Victoria Gonzales can receive an EKG for her heart problem.
Behind the counters, a busy staff tries to get everybody in front of a doctor in the time allowed. The patients are patient, knowing this is their last resort.
And word is spreading.
"We do a lot of outreach, trying to let people know we are here for them," Beach said. "But word of mouth is the best advertising. The reality is, this is the most economical way to get health care to those who can't afford it."
Slowly, as the evening goes on, the waiting room thins out. For better or worse, this is universal health care in America.
Reach Ken Burger at kburger@postandcourier.com or 937-5598. To read previous columns by Ken Burger, go to postandcourier.com/burger/.
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wildbillz50 (anonymous) says...
I am 58 years old and have bladder cancer , no insurance, and cannot work steady.I want to take this opportunity to thank the people that volunteer at Barrier Isl. Med. Clinic.They made it possible for me to get checked out by the Doctors at Lowcountry Urology in Mt.Pleasant.Dr.s Donaldson and Hall,THANK You!!
May 19, 2009 at 7:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wellinformed (anonymous) says...
I don't have insurance and so far have been blessed that I haven't needed care. It is great to know that should the need arise, there is a place I can go! Thank you to all of the volunteers who give their time and to all who donate!
May 19, 2009 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Wildbillz, I wish you a complete and speedy recovery.
May 19, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
majorjohnson (anonymous) says...
Once we have "universal" health care this will be the norm everywhere for everyone. While it may help a few, it will decrease the quality of care for far more than it will help. If you think health care is expensive now, just wait till it's free.
May 19, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
it wont be free ---it is called taxpayer supported
May 19, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
Once we have "universal" health care this will be the norm everywhere for everyone. While it may help a few, it will decrease the quality of care for far more than it will help. If you think health care is expensive now, just wait till it's free.
********************************************
But, but, but... I've always been told there's no such thing as free.
And wait until employers have to start paying taxes to Obama on the insurance premiums they pay for their employees.
No CEO in their right mind is going to absorb that additional overhead, and will likely pass the increase on to their employees, if not canceling their employee health plans outright... potentially tossing millions more onto the Gub'ment teat of socialized health care.
His "health plans" for this country has disaster written alllll over it.
May 19, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
laurasmorris (anonymous) says...
There is no "government clinic" in the Sea Islandsm and no conclusions about what a universal health insurance program might be can be drawn from this. The former Sea Island Medical Center, now known as the Franklin C. Fetter Johns Island Clinic, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization just like the Barrier Islands Free Clinic. It does receive a Federal grant that covers a portion of its cost, in exchange for which the Board agrees to provide comprehensive primary care (whatever the patient needs) for anyone who walks in the door and to charge all patients on a sliding scale based on ability to pay. The amount of the Federal grant is based on anticipated income from these charges, but it is far less than it costs to operate the clinic. When a high percentage of patients cannot pay and there is virtually no local support, it becomes almost impossible to provide the services needed. Johns Island patients are currently being diverted to other Fetter sites because the HVAC system is out and there is no money to pay for a new one.
May 20, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mary_crazy (anonymous) says...
i am 60 years old.what is free health care ombama promises along long wait to see a doctor .it wont be free either.it call taxas ask any one in canada
May 20, 2009 at 1:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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