Tuesday, July 6, 2010 —
It started as a vision. A vision to provide healthcare to the working poor in Stanly County. The Community Care Clinic, at 220 Yadkin St., Albemarle, was established in 1998 by Dr. John P. Murray, a retired physician who had served the community for more than 20 years.
The clinic was operated by volunteer providers and patients were able to receive medication assistance, primary health care and some dental care. Following the death of Dr. Murray two years ago, the clinic was renamed the John P. Murray Community Care Clinic in his memory.
Today, the clinic is still operated by local volunteer providers, however, the services it offers has changed.
Patients are now treated for chronic conditions, including: diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and thyroid problems, asthma and other respiratory conditions. Due to a lack of volunteers, dental assistance is no longer available, although there continues to be a great need for the service.
The clinic is fortunate to have 21 medical providers who currently volunteer their time at the clinic.
“The clinic is the most fortunate it’s ever been with the providers we have now. We have a very dedicated group of volunteers,” said Chris Vaughn, director of the clinic.
Among the volunteers are: Jenny Hinson, MD; Howard Johnson, MD; Herbie Bryan, MD; Jeff Chance, PA; Mike Hadnagy, MD; Rebecca Huneycutt, CNM; Joe Hunter, MD; Evelina Kartsimaris, MD; Phyllis Kupsick, FNP; Patty Lewis, FNP; Richard Liles, MD; Michael McLeod, MD; Dale Patterson, PA; Leonard Saltzman, MD; Kenneth Shank, DO; Kevin Lopez-Shirley, MD; Becky Yates, CNM; Cyndi Norton, FNP; Nalin Mehta MD; Sue Mehta, NP; and Connie Wallace, PA.
In addition to the efforts of volunteers, the clinic receives assistance from Stanly Regional Medical Center, which pays the salaries of three employees, donates the building and makes labs available as needed.
Individuals who lack medical coverage may be eligible to receive medications free of charge or at a reduced-cost through the Prescription Assistance Program (PAP), which was developed by pharmaceutical companies.
Medications which cannot be obtained free by PAP are provided with funds by the United Way of Stanly County.
United Way donates $12,000 per year to cover medications not provided by the PAP. Medical Pharmacy of Albemarle provides these medications at cost to the clinic, which helps stretch United Way’s annual donation even further.
“United Way has been excellent in always meeting our need,” Vaughn said.
The John P. Murray Community Care Clinic currently provides services to 430 active patients. Vaughn stressed that without assistance from United Way, volunteers and donations, patients wouldn’t receive their medications and would most likely be in the hospital.
Vaughn believes there will still be a need for free clinics after Health Care Reform. Of the 42 million Americans who are currently uninsured, the healthcare bill will provide coverage for approximately 30 million. Full implementation of the bill isn’t scheduled to go into effect until 2014.
In order to receive care, patients must be an uninsured resident of Stanly County between the ages of 18-64 and have a household income of 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less. The clinic turns away on average 75 patients a month because it either cannot provide the requested service or the patient fails to meet the criteria.
The clinic does not receive any federal or state money; it is funded entirely by grants and donations.
“United Way and the support of this community are the reasons this clinic is still operating. Stanly County embraces what we do,” Vaughn said.
Those individuals who meet the eligibility requirements are asked to contact the office at (704) 984-4668 to go through a screening process. Patients are seen by appointment. There is typically a month-long wait to be seen by a provider.
Homepage
Related Photos
-
Color United Way Logo.jpg
Discussion
Clinic helps many
- Homepage
-
Robert Brian Honeycutt
-
Police reveal accident details
Albemarle Police officials have released results of an investigation into the death of a man Monday morning in an accident at Ridge Street and the NorthEast Connector in Albemarle.
- Community can help Tucker through benefit
- Police officers take oath
- AFD investigates many ‘suspicious’ fires
- Relay for Life
-
Police reveal accident details
- Local News
-
-
Stanly County Family YMCA Awarded $25,000 Grant from ALCOA Foundation
The Alcoa Foundation has awarded a grant of $25,000 to the Stanly County Family YMCA to help promote water safety and swimming skills through the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program at the Y.
- World's Largest Swimming lesson set for June 14
- Volunteers help United Way agencies, community during Day of Caring
-
- Around Stanly County
-
-
ADDC finds way to lure donations
Everyone who enjoys eating seafood, and lots of it, is invited to Market Station for a fish fry as spring draws to a close.
- This Weekend in Stanly County May 24
- Stanly County 4-H announces summer programs
-
- Sports
-
-
Stanly County Baseball and Softball Playoff Update
The South Stanly baseball and softball teams earned wins tonight in the opening game of the 1A West Regional Series, while West Stanly softball lost Game One of the 2A West Regional Series at Madison High School in Mitchell.
- Junior Legion Play Begins
- Registration open for Historic Badin Triathlon
-
Stanly County Baseball and Softball Playoff Update
- Letters to the Editor
-
-
A few items to factor in
Regarding the recapture of the FERC license, it seems some folks want to focus solely on the money spent instead of the accomplishments that have been achieved or planned.
- Thank you, EMS professionals
- Time to wake up
-
A few items to factor in
- Opinion
- Lifestyles
-
-
Wilson-Helms Wedding
Stacie Denise Helms, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Dale Helms of Albemarle and Thomas Keith Wilson Jr., son of Diane W. Hoggard of Concord and the late Thomas Keith Wilson Sr., were married at 5 o’clock in the afternoon December 31, 2011.
- McCormack-Hunter Wedding
- First Birthday: Riley Lester
-
- Features
-
-
Claytons owners of the ‘Lucky Duck’ in the GHA Autism Supports Rubber Duck Derby
Hundreds of individuals gathered at City Lake Park in Albemarle Saturday for the Fourth Annual GHA Autism Supports Rubber Duck Derby.
- VIDEO: 'Ring of fire' solar eclipse
- Career Tips For New Grads
-
- Blogs
- Regional
-
-
N.C. State Health Director Gerald gives shellfish alert
North Carolina State Health Director Laura Gerald, M.D., is warning North Carolinians and visitors to avoid eating any fresh or frozen shellfish imported from South Korea following action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- CCC offers minor home repairs free
- DWI checkpoints planned for recreational areas
-
N.C. State Health Director Gerald gives shellfish alert
- Marriages/Divorces
