MAY 2003 "Each volunteer has their unique gifts and talents that are invaluable to the Clinic... gifts which make this Clinic an exceptional organization and allow us to help heal those in need in our community." Jody Hopkins, Executive Director Reflecting on April Volunteer Appreciation Month and the 70 volunteers honored at Taipei Restaurant

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Clinic advocates march on Austin!

With Jody Hopkins, Exe. Dir.

One of the financial burdens of the Clinic is the required and necessary malpractice insurance. For several years now there has been a contingency at the Clinic who have worked to effect a legislative change to make the insurance coverage more affordable.

Recently, Drs. Joel Kerschenbaum, Joel Reed and Walter Wilkerson went to Austin to testify before the Civil Practices Committee. They spoke in support of legislation introduced by Representative Rob Eissler.

Change begins one step and one voice at a time ... You'll want to follow this story.

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Betty Deering is TCC Woman of Distinction

Every year there is a banquet to
honor those many women in the community who exemplify true caring concern and volunteerism for others in the community. These women of distinction are honored as 4 one of Montgomery County's Women of Distinction. This year The Community Clinic chose to honor volunteer Betty Deering with this annual award.

Betty has been a faithful volunteer
with the Clinic for 6 years. She works primarily as a front desk receptionist but can pitch in wherever needed. She is the first person many patients see when they come in and her warm smile and welcoming assistance makes them feel valued and cared for.

Betty's life as a volunteer is exemplified in many other area of her life: the senior adult group from Tamarac Pines, who make lap quilts for nursing homes; at church with AWANAS and teaching Sunday School, and now grand parenting her 5 grandchildren.

In her selfless desire to share time and talents, she quietly touches and improves the lives of so many. Betty's kind spirit, compassion and generosity make her a role model for many. Her dedication to the Clinic is a bright star in our midst (see picture with husband Loren and daughter Barb).

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MAY 2003 FYI!: In the six and a half years since the Clinic began, the number of volunteer hours logged has reached 37,089 and the total number of Clinic Services provided is 31,946. Totally awe sum!

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HELP WANTED

Reception Volunteers:

• Answer phones, filing and other secretarial duties. Monday: 1-5 pm; Wednesday: 9 am to I pm to alternate with current volunteer; Thursday: 9 am to I pm. Contact: Marisa or Jody
  
  

Pharmacy Assistance Volunteers:

• Complete forms for a program that applies directly to pharmaceutical companies for free patient medications.
• Variable hours: 2-3 hrs/ week, Tuesday - Friday. Contact. Jane
  
  

Pharmacy Inventory Volunteers:

• Count, stock and update computer inventory of Clinic pharmacy.
• Perfect for retired couple!
• Contact: Jane
  
  
  

Dental Assistant:

• Part Time paid position;
• experienced, with x-ray license,
• bilingual preferred.
• Contact: Lorene Houghton
  

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IN CHECK The Community Clinic wants to thank and acknowledge the following contributions that have been received since the last newsletter. Please call with inadvertent omissions which will be printed in the next issue. Memorial Hermann The Methodist Hospital The Woodlands Christian Church Robert and Connie Sigsby Mary Temmen Tom and Sherry Myers Bailey and Jane Simmons Maxine DeVries Robert and Barbara Flynn Rheumatic Disease Clinic of Houston Charles and Lori Begin John and Camille Converse CDBG Lord of Life Lutheran Church Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church The Woodlands Holiday Home Tour Houston Endowment William and Kerry Robinson Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program-The Dayton Family Fund Jan and Dennis Conine Don Klein Woodlands Women's Tennis Association Walter and Neddie Wilkerson Joan and Grant Perry Unity Church of The Woodlands Vincent Lucadau Carole Preble Correction: Polly Gardner and Associates - Speech and Language Services THANKS TO ALL! Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church

Specialists help meet demand at TCC
With Jody Hopkins, Exe. Dir.

It has always been the mission of the Clinic to provide free health care services for those in need; but occasional road blocks have limited the number of people who could be served. A major hurdle, of course, was removed with the opening of this larger facility and gradually, the clinic has been able to expand both medical and dental services.

Now the clinic celebrates that daytime follow-up appointments can be scheduled because specialists (some retired) have volunteered to make "house calls" at The Community Clinic!

Dr. Michael Raine, retired from Diagnostic Clinic of HoustonCardiology, obtained medical degree from UTMB Galveston, and also postgraduate training

receiving specialty certification in internal medicine and cardiology. He was one of the first retired doctors to volunteer.

Dr. Walter Pollo is currently practicing at Cardiology Associates in the 1960 area. He received his degree from Argentina with specialty training from Baylor University Medical Center in Cardiovascular Diseases. About the Clinic he says, "The Clinic is great, I feel happy coming here."

Dr. Hector Del Castillo, retired from Texas Women's Center, received his degree from National University of Mexico with post graduate training in gynecological pathology and gynecological surgery at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute. He is also a clinical associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine and University of Texas. Of his work at TCC, he states, "I love it! I like to continue practicing without the pressure of private practice."

Dr. Joe Ed McLemore, retired from solo practice at the Methodist Diagnostic Professionals Building, received his degree from UTMB Galveston with postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hermann Hospital. He is also a clinical associate professor at Hermann Hospital UTMB and clinical instructor at Baylor College of Medicine.

The Clinic remains indebted and wants to recognize the many other specialists who continue to accept referrals to their individual offices. In so many ways, more and more people are having health needs met.

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Presentation on immigration draws capacity crowd
With Jody Hopkins, Exe. Dir.

It had been requested by many that the Clinic provide information regarding immigration regulations. On April 14 the Clinic Social Work Intern, Wenona Andress, responded to these requests and arranged for Jenny Cross, an outreach worker from Catholic Charities to give an immigration presentation.

A capacity crowd of 73 people came for this event. jenny Cross talked about visa pro grams, how to obtain a "green card", how to become a U.S. citizen, and labor discrimination laws.

Because of the obvious interest and demand for such information the Clinic will schedule this event quarterly.

Clinic braces for change in dental services
With Lorene Houghton, Dental Coordinator

If you have ever been near the Clinic on a Monday evening for a dental clinic, you have seen the log line, usually over 125 people who are anxiously "taking a chance" to be screened for dental care. It has been decided that the lottery system is no longer appropriate when so many people are literally taking up the street for that period of waiting and selection.

Beginning Monday July 7th, patients seeking dental care can call the office on the1st and 3rd Monday of each month between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and schedule an appointment for that evening.

This is the new number to call for dental appointments: 281-298-3718

Calls will be honored on a first serve basis. When the appointments are filled, instructions will be given to call back on the next dental screening Monday morning.

The Clinic is anxious to implement this system and asks for patience in the transition period.

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More Volunteers Grab Headlines!

One of the TCC translators, Marilyn Heaner, recently became a Licensed Court Reporter, not an easy task and quite an honor!

Did you see the national recognition for TCC in the April 27th issue of the USA Today Weekend Magazine? We were recognized for our efforts for the "Healthy Kids Check-Up Day" on the Make A Difference Day last October 26th. Shelli Peter's D.D.S. picture was featured.

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The Community Clinic Bulletin Board

The frequent requests to help the Clinic in other non-health related areas has prompted a "needs list" from which contributions, from individuals or businesses, could be made to the Clinic. The office has a complete list which can be emailed, faxed, or shared over the phone. Please call the office for details!

Partial Needs List!

"Everyday Items": garbage bags, dental floss, copy paper, toilet paper, white out, etc.

"Bigger Items": black/white printer, 2003 Physicians Desk Reference, bulletin boards, digital camera, etc.

"Really Big Stuff": defibrillator, small office desk, lateral filing cabinet, small carpet shampoo cleaner, etc.

Projects: Repainting, repair picnic tables outside, build shelving in offices, etc.

Please sign up AND call the Clinic office if you have an item, service or time to contribute to the "Needs List". It is essential that all items are recorded and acknowledged. Arrangements for service and priority of needs will be assessed. 281-364-7889.

We need experienced painters to repaint the interior of some walls during non-clinic hours. Coffee and donuts could be available.

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YES!

I raise my hand to Volunteer and Support
The Community Clinic.

____Medical Professional
____Receptionist
____Dental Professional
____Social Worker
____Translator
____Lay Assistance
____CLINIC -AID, Operational Fund
____Endowment Fund

NAME_______________PHONE______________

Return to: The Community Clinic: 101 Pine Manor Dr. Oak Ridge North, TX 77385
A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

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Click Here to download the Volunteer Sign-Up Form in Acrobat Format

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ATTENTION
THE COMMUNITY CLINIC
CHANGING DENTAL SYSTEM

BEGINNING MONDAY JULY 7TH, WE WILL NO LONGER BE DOING A LOTTERY FOR DENTAL SCREENING NIGHT.

INSTEAD, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CALL ON THE MORNING OF THE FIRST AND THIRD MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH BETWEEN 8:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. ONLY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THAT EVENING.

APPOINTMENTS WILL BE GIVEN ON A FIRST CALL FIRST SERVE BASIS.

BEGINNING JULY 7TH, 2003
DENTAL SCREENING APPOINTMENTS

CALL THIS NEW NUMBER 281-298-3718 BETWEEN 8-9 AM ONLY ON THE 1st and 3rd MONDAY OF EACH MONTH
APPOINTMENTS SCHEDULED FOR THAT EVENING