| |
The Presbytery of Mackinac
Michigan, Wisconsin
The Free Clinic of Alpena enables Bill Allen to control his hypertension. Elder Jan Kane, R.N, records his pressure as the Rev. Steven Hammond, PA-C, reviews his history and medications.
Bill Allen’s story is one shared by 47 million others in this country who have no medical insurance and thus have limited access to basic health care. For Bill, an extended hospital stay and a diagnosis of hypertension required frequent, expensive office visits and prescriptions. A survey revealed that over 3,000 people in Alpena County, Michigan, where Bill lives, were also uninsured, and that many others had policies that would not cover routine health care costs.
The First Presbyterian Church of Alpena’s tentmaker pastor, the Rev. Steven Hammond, is also a physician assistant. The church extended its ministry to create a free clinic to provide primary medical care for the uninsured in the community. An underutilized wing of the church was transformed into the Free Clinic of Alpena.
The presbytery, through its Mission Grant Initiatives, provided $4,000 seed money for the venture, which opened in March 2008.
Volunteer physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners see walk-in patients two evenings a week and schedule follow-up visits. At least thirty-six volunteer nurses and office staff support the work of the clinic. Elder Jan Kane, R.N., enhances the work of the clinic with an emphasis on preventive care and health education. A community board of directors helps match patients to appropriate agencies and programs. Assistance with diagnostic testing, networking with volunteer specialists, and medication assistance programs provide a continuum of compassionate, quality care.
The Presbytery of Mackinac, through its partnership with and support of 41 congregations with 6,820 members, seeks to faithfully and humbly walk this path.
Presbytery Staff
Harry Begley, stated clerk
Lindy Bearss, administrative assistant
Pamela Fulton, clergy support
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Stanley Devoogd, GAC
Diane Dewees, GAC
Gracious God and Holy Friend, we are reminded that health and wholeness are your desire for all people everywhere. May our efforts match your priorities as we seek to be faithful servants in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Ps. 5, 147:1–11 Ps. 27, 51
Jer. 3:6–18
Rom. 1:(26–27) 28–2:11
John 5:1–18
|
|
