Who Are We and What Do We Do?
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Starting A Free Medical Clinic
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Concerned by the growing number of people in our area who had limited or no access to medical care the Community Health Partners formed the Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic Planning Group in partnership with representatives from:
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Who Does the Free Clinic Serve?
In 2009, the Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic has served 565 patients.
- Patients primarily came from Longview (57%), Kelso (18%), and Oregon (12%).
- 24% of patients use English as their second language.
- 10% were found eligible for Medicaid and 75% for Basic Health Insurance.
- 62% had previously used the St. John Medical Center Emergency Department.
The Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic offers urgent care, when a patient needs additional services they are referred to the appropriate agency or organization through the Free Clinic’s community health advocacy program, which is coordinated by Susan Wendel.
In 2008 Susan referred more then 1,151 patients for the following services:
- 156 assisted with Basic Health Insurance applications,
- 431 to a primary health care provider,
- 104 to a specialty health care provider ,
- 82 for imaging services (x-rays, MRI, CT scan, ultrasounds, etc.),
- 118 for dental care,
- 24 for vision care,
- 125 to a prescription assistance program (PAP),
- 267 to other community resources (foodbanks, temporary shelter, clothing banks, and insurance for children).
Who Staffs the Free Clinic?
Currently 144 volunteers staff the clinic including 25 doctors, 80 nurses, 20 front desk staff, 10 clinic assistants, 3 medication distrubuters, 1 translator, and 1 floater.
Want to donate? Click here!
The Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic is a non-profit medical clinic serving adult, uninsured residents in the Cowlitz county region. All services are provided by volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, support staff, interpreters and other community members who have a passion for our mission and demonstrate the culture of caring and kindness on which the Free Clinic was founded. |
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Cowlitz Free Medical Clinic Planning Group October 2007.
Back row from left to right: Carlos Carreon - Director, Cowlitz County Health Department, Lesley Bombardier - Community Representative, Paul Youmans - Director, Pathways 2020.
Front row from left to right: Kathryn Robbins - Parrish Nurse Coordinator SJMC, Dian Cooper - Executive Director Cowlitz Family Health Center, Sr Anne Hayes - VP 0f Mission Effectiveness SJMC, Chuck Polacek - Regence BlueShield Representative.
Not pictured: Ken Terhaar - Community Representative.
A Patient's Story:
Meet Lisa Rowley
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Lisa came to the clinic with a very frustrating health problem. She had been having migraine headaches and she had to squint to see. Her migraine headaches went away so she tried sunglasses to help her eyes. Eventually she couldn’t open her eyes and she knew she better have a doctor look at her.
Her mother and neighbor both recommended the Free Clinic. During Lisa’s
first visit to the Free Clinic she was referred to St. John Medical Center for a CT scan and other tests. On her second visit, she was given a coupon to visit the Family Health Clinic. Lisa’s case was hard to diagnose because her symptoms would come and go. She visited the Free Clinic a few more times because nothing seemed to work. During her last visit, Dr. Luh diagnosed her with myasthenia gravis. |
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“My Mom told me to go to the free clinic because they have the best doctors and after my visit I believe they do. Within an hour of taking the prescribed medicine, I was able to see,” said Lisa.
Susan Wendel, community health advocate, called Safeway and FISH paid for Lisa’s prescription. Susan also helped Lisa sign up for Washington State Basic Health Plan insurance. “I would recommend the Free Clinic services because they’re good at what they do and if they can’t figure it out, they'll tell you to come back until they do. Everyone at the clinic was really nice and I'm happy to know they are there when needed," added Lisa. "I'm taking my Boyfriend there tonight to get medical help and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone again."
The Free Clinic is located at 1230 7th Avenue., Longview, WA and is open every Wednesday from 5:30pm - 9:00pm, Pre-Registration begins at 5:00pm. No appointment is needed. Directions
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