For Those in Need
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Neighborhood Health Clinic Hope and Healing for Those in Need 2014 Annual Report Board of Directors Dear Friends of the Neighborhood Health Clinic, As my term as Chair of the Board of Directors comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the amazing progress the Clinic continues to Officers make in our effort to provide quality health care to the working yet uninsured adults in our community. My fellow volunteer Board members George W. Ferguson MD provide tremendous energy, experience and commitment to the Chair Clinic’s mission as we look to fulfill both short and long term strategic Thomas C. Brick DMD needs necessary to continue quality medical and dental care. Secretary Thanks to your philanthropic support, the Clinic has proceeded to C. Michael Armstrong make changes to improve the care we provide to our patients. These Treasurer initiatives are supported by the Board of Directors as needs are identified John P. Cardillo Esq. and presented by our Chief Executive Officer, Leslie Lascheid, and the Board’s supporting committees. Chair-Elect Craig J. Eichler MD Many of you are aware that in spite of great efforts to improve the efficiency of our existing building, the Clinic is unable to meet the Member-At-Large medical and dental needs of our existing patients because of space limitations, let alone provide care to thousands more identified in a Directors Hodges University Assessment study done a few years ago. With this in Joseph S. Davis mind, last summer the Board unanimously approved the purchase, with Paul O. Jones MD cash reserves and no debt, of approximately 2 acres of property to the south of the Clinic. After approaching our stakeholders including our George R. Kraus volunteers, health care providers and most importantly our patients, the Nancy Lascheid BSN, RN Board of Directors has begun to prioritize what services should be Penny S. Lauer initiated or enhanced as we thoughtfully consider the plans to develop George R. McLaughlin this property. Robert J. Meli MD Now, more than ever, the Neighborhood Health Clinic will need Robert W. Payne DDS your help, support and patronage as we reach out to improve the care Katherine G. Sachs we are providing to our patients. James L. Valukas On behalf of my fellow Board Members, I Janet H. Vasey sincerely thank you. Chief Executive Officer Leslie Lascheid Medical Director George W. Ferguson MD Chairman of the Board of Directors Robert B. Tober MD Our CEO’s letter to our supporters Reflecting on the last year, I think many of us will remember 2014 with both sadness and a sense of accomplishment. The passing of my father, the co-founder of the Clinic, has left a void that can never be filled. I know, however, the pride he felt in the certainty that another phase of his vison had been fulfilled. The purchase of two acres adjoining the Clinic is one of the Clinic’s biggest accomplishments in the last decade. This fulfills one of my father’s dreams for the Clinic’s ongoing mission: providing a broader range of services for our patients and the community. For the second year in a row, the Clinic has been awarded Charity Navigator’s “4 Star” rating. We received the highest rating because we exceed industry standards and outperform most charities in the category of health services and treatment. We are indeed fortunate to have a Board of Directors whose leadership results in the Clinic’s financial health, accountability and transparency that is unmatched by most non-profits. All of this success underscores our mission to provide quality medical care to low- income, uninsured workers in Collier County. Outreach efforts have increased where we are targeting the work force that fall within our qualifying guidelines, and are ineligible for government programs. Patient education is expanding with new classes and more participants. We see our greatest success in the eyes and smiles of our patients as their health and lives improve. Leslie Lascheid Chief Executive Officer Being there when someone is in need— that’s a good neighbor and the purpose of the Neighborhood Health Clinic A message from Nancy As I began to sort through Bill’s desk and random papers it became a journey of memories, sometimes I smiled, sometimes I cried, and other times I laughed out loud. There were lots of books and many were focused on medical care for low-income workers. This was his life’s goal. He often wrote notes regarding references to cultural and geographical issues for low-income workers regarding their medical needs. Found inside one of the books was the corner of a newspaper from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. His note written in pencil was smeared but readable: “The respectful way to do this is a singular location of medical, dental and social services; we need a singular campus concept.” The year was 1977. This was the genesis of the Neighborhood Health Clinic. Over the years we observed charity clinics nationally and internationally. We gathered many ideas and Bill continued to have concern and be focused on how to care for the less fortunate in our community. The year was 1999 and in our kitchen the morning smell of coffee was strong. Today was the day, we were ready to draft the plan, with yellow legal pads in hand, Bill and I wrote the Neighborhood Health Clinic mission and vision statements: “We will deliver quality health care to uninsured low-income workers in an atmosphere of dignity and respect using private philanthropy, no government funds and we will do it with volunteers. We will care for those who choose work over welfare.” He was on target in 1977 and in 1999; fast forward to now. The success of the Clinic is legendary. With the purchase of the adjacent land, we have the opportunity to enhance services. A survey of patients and volunteers was conducted because this is the patients’ medical home and the volunteers’ community service. Their opinions are important to us. With this information, we are poised to move forward. Your generosity and compassion have made all of this possible. On behalf of the Clinic volunteers and our patients, “Thank you”. Nancy Lascheid BSN RN Co-Founder Our Patients share their stories I have a family history of cancer—all four of my sisters died of this disease. I knew I needed tests. Though I worked, I had little money for my medical needs. At the Neighborhood Health Clinic I saw Nancy Lascheid. She eased my worries and was my angel. She scheduled an appointment with a doctor who referred me for testing. Thankfully, I was cancer free. For six years, I received annual mammograms and pap tests at the Clinic. Then, I developed chest pain and shortness of breath. Dr. Tober explained that I had rapid heartbeats and bronchitis. I was given medications and follow-up appointments. Dr. Tober encouraged me to exercise and made many suggestions that were good for my heart and health. I feel healthier, and I’m able to work full time again. There are no words to say thank you to the Neighborhood Health Clinic. The doctors and nurses are always so helpful and kind. Maria Z. has been a Clinic patient since 2007. “The Neighborhood Health Clinic saved my life” Two years ago I suffered an angina attack. I was 47 years old, working but sick without insurance. The emergency room doctors prescribed medication that cost $300 per month. I couldn’t afford the medicine. A colleague told me about the Neighborhood Health Clinic and how they helped working people with no health insurance. The Clinic is a busy place, the waiting room is always full but every patient is seen. I took advantage of the Clinic’s diabetes class and four-week nutrition program. I learned to cook and eat healthy. It took time and effort, but I lost twenty pounds and have continued to keep it off. The Clinic’s staff is made up of volunteers. I was amazed that so many are willing to work for free, for the good of the community. The Neighborhood Health Clinic not only has great doctors and nurses, they also have great programs to help you stay healthy. I no longer worry about what will happen to me in the future. Joseph L. considers the Clinic as his medical home. With patients coming from 43 different countries of origin, the Clinic sees a wide variety of conditions and illnesses that may not be typically seen in Collier County’s population. As medical and dental professionals, this situation can be challenging but provides an interesting dimension to one’s experience. We have treated a case of neurocystercercosis (brain parasites) as well as Leprosy and many other tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis (a type of fluke or worm). The diversity of people coming through the Clinic doors and their trust that we are here to care for them is part of the reward the medical and dental professionals receive. From the clinical perspective, the possibilities that exist for the Clinic’s future growth are many and possibilities are not yet firm plans. Some of the opportunities we know will be explored include expanding the dental program, increasing diagnostic capabilities, and providing more education classes. These are only a few examples but the “wish list” will indeed be long. Robert B. Tober MD Medical Director Dental Services - Needed and Expanding Dentistry at the Clinic is expanding. The need for the Clinic’s dental services continues to grow. At the present time we can only treat existing patients whose oral health is causing or exacerbating a medical issue.