Health clinic a godsend to those who need help with medical costs
SOMERSET ― The Somerset office of Highlands Health Clinic marked a significant milestone Feb. 8, when it served its 9,000th and 9,001 patients.
Trina and Harold "Pete" Henry, lifelong residents of Somerset County, were that milestone.
Since its establishment in August 1997, Highlands Health: Laurel Highlands Free & Charitable Medical Clinic (HHC), formerly known as Johnstown Free Medical Clinic, has been providing medical, pharmaceutical, and wellness services to residents in Cambria and Somerset counties.
"It is with great pride that we celebrate the 9,000th and 9,001st patients," said Rosalie Danchanko, executive director of HHC, in a press release. "This occasion holds even greater significance as these patients will receive services at our Somerset clinic, conveniently located within UPMC Somerset Hospital."
More: February a good time to check your heart health
Who it serves
Laurel Highlands Free & Charitable Medical Clinic is dedicated to providing medical, pharmaceutical, and wellness services to the low-income, uninsured and underinsured populations of Cambria and Somerset counties. The clinic has been serving Somerset for 10 years, said registered nurse Colleen Stewart-Tretter.
The services provided include anything a patient would receive from a family practitioner as well as diagnostic testing such as hemoglobin A1Cs, HIV and Hep C testing STD testing and pregnancy testing.
"We provide personalized care and support to every individual who walks through our doors," she said.
Additionally, the dispensary provides medication to people who are uninsured or underinsured, she said.
"We receive about a million dollars worth of medications each year and dispense that amount," Stewart-Tretter said in an email. She said the clinic provides everything from inhalers, insulin, medication for hypertension, high cholesterol, blood clots, antidepressants, seizure disorders, etc. for people who would otherwise be unable to afford it. They also provide glucometers and diabetic teaching for those with diabetes.
"We do so much more, such as delivering everything from colostomy supplies to durable medical equipment," she said. "If there is an ice storm forecasted for a Thursday and the clinic is predicted to be closed, we will deliver essential medications to patients Wednesday."
The Somerset clinic operates one day a week, attending to more than 13 patients daily.
More: Report indicates Somerset County population will drop by 8,000 by 2050
An eye-opening experience
The Henrys found out about the clinic the hard way. Pete had to be hospitalized over Thanksgiving and could not afford the medication.
"I did not know about the free clinic until my husband nearly lost his life due to diabetic ketoacidosis," said Trina Henry. "We fell into the donut hole (make too much money to receive assistance, yet not enough to be able to afford the medication)."
She said her husband was in the ICU for almost a week. The nurses and social services put him in touch with the clinic.
"I worked at the hospital for 18 years and I didn't know it was there," she said. "He was in a very serious condition and they made sure he went home with medication. We went in (to the clinic) and they said they could help. We put out over $1,200 just for medication for him. There's no way we could afford the medication."
Pete worked for more than 18 years at the Somerset County Technology Center. He struggles with diabetes, heart issues and other health concerns.
Trina said when she took Pete to the clinic, she also filled out paperwork for herself, because she also has health issues. Trina's medication amounts to almost $1,200 as well.
"With a monthly income of $3,000, we couldn't afford the staggering co-pays," said Trina. "We walked out with a grocery bag full of medication. It was like Christmas and our birthdays combined. The clinic was literally a lifesaver for us."
Who can be seen at the clinic?
"Everyone qualifies to be seen at our clinic, although the most acute patients in Somerset County typically find us because they have an acute health crisis, are hospitalized (like Mr. Henry), and are dependent upon our dispensary to be safely discharged home with all medications needed," Stewart-Tretter said. "We also provide physicals so people can be employed as well as driver’s license/CDL physicals.
"Recently, we saw an uptick in serving the Spanish-speaking population in Somerset County because we had a translator and Dr. Opila also can speak Spanish. It is a privilege to serve those people residing in our county."
More: Oncology center to reopen in Somerset
Pete expressed gratitude for the compassion and care he received at HHC.
"From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I felt their genuine concern for my well-being," he said in a press release.
"My husband said 'I'm not ashamed to take this because of that group.' They're just wonderful people," Trina said.
"The clinic is a godsend. It's something people need to look into."
For more information about Highlands Health Clinic or to schedule an appointment, call 814-534-6242.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Wellness services offered at Highlands Health Clinic
