Published: July 30, 2008 12:00 am      

Free health clinic opens

ONEONTA _ The Oneonta Community Health Center offices bustled Tuesday night as volunteers opened the free health clinic for the first time.

An office volunteer gave a nurse confidentiality papers to sign, while another was assigned to interview patients and determine eligibility. A physician and another nurse chatted in an examination room in the back of the building.

``It's hard to believe I'm standing here waiting for a patient,'' said Dr. Benjamin Friedell, volunteer medical director. ``It's very exciting that this evening has come and we can start seeing patients.''

The seed for the clinic was planted about two years ago and nurtured by the Unitarian Universalist Society of Oneonta. A board of directors was established, resources were identified and volunteers found as the center became a separate entity.

About 10 volunteers, a physician and two nurses were at the clinic at 22 Academy St. on Tuesday night to see five scheduled patients.

Steven Reigles, 41, of Treadwell, said he hasn't had health coverage for about six years and hasn't seen a physician in seven years. Former employers haven't offered health insurance as a benefit because of cost, he said. This year, he started Stoneworks Landscaping, but all the money he earns goes into the business.

Reigles said that as soon as he heard the clinic was taking appointments, he called and was given the first appointment. Reigles, who gave permission to have his comments and photograph appear in this story, said his age and family medical history were factors that prompted him to be seen.

Many people need health care but don't have coverage, he said, and the clinic is providing an important service.

``I think it's great,'' he said.

Board members emphasized that visits to the clinic are confidential, and volunteers sign forms agreeing to maintain privacy. Several volunteers agreed the opening was an exciting development and were eager to help patients and make the visits a smooth process.

``It's a wonderful opportunity to help those in need,'' said Barbara Sperling, a registered nurse who works in the emergency department at A.O. Fox Memorial Hospital in Oneonta. ``I'm one of the privileged who have health insurance, and I feel I want to help those who don't.''

The center is for patients without insurance. Patients must call in advance for an appointment, directors said, and the telephone number is 433-0300. The clinic will be open from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Patients are scheduled for an income review before meeting with a health-care provider. OCHC will provide primary and preventive care to eligible patients and help them enroll in county, state or federal health-insurance programs and obtain medications and advanced care.

Income limits will be based on 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, directors said.

For example, adults in a family of four earning no more than $41,300 annually would be eligible; and $20,420 would be the limit for a single person. Documentation of income, such as paystubs or tax returns, will be requested.

The effort to open a local clinic was guided and inspired by the work of Dr. Jack McConnell, founder of Volunteers in Medicine, an organization dedicated to providing access to health care for all people. Maureen Sullivan had prepared the space at 22 Academy St. for a midwifery practice but offered the space to the clinic when opportunities changed.

Some of the 16 board members were present to see the first night of activities. Several said other agencies in the area have been helpful in providing resources, and though the doors are open, the need for financial donations and volunteers continues.

``It's a whole community support system,'' said Lorrie Wolverton, coordinator of volunteers at the clinic. The center's opening is a sign of people's good hearts, she said.

``This is really a wonderful night,'' Wolverton said.

The clinic has an annual budget of $60,000, directors said, and about $20,000 is in the bank. The budget will pay for utilities and office supplies, they said. None of the volunteers or medical providers is paid.

Donna Behrendt, a director and retired nurse who has worked overseas and seen needs in other countries, said she is volunteering at the Oneonta clinic because ``there are needs close to home.'' Behrendt said she will focus on reaching out to residents who need care.

Marty Becker, a registered nurse who works at Unatego Junior/Senior High School, was working with Friedell on Tuesday night.

"The community needs some help,'' Becker said. ``I've been given a talent, and I have to give it back.''

Grace Smith, president of the board, said the center is incorporated, and checks may be made to the Oneonta Community Health Center and mailed to P.O. Box 361, Oneonta 13820. The center's e-mail address is info@oneontafreeclinic.org, and the website is www.oneontaclinic.org.

To volunteer, call Wolverton at 432-2623.

Daniel Maskin, a center board member and executive director of Opportunities For Otsego, said his agency will refer clients to the center.

``It feels good to make that accomplishment,'' he said. ``It's taken a long time and a lot of hard work.''