Highlands Health free medical clinic marks milestone; patients talk up Somerset County site

Feb. 9—SOMERSET, Pa. — After Harold "Pete" Henry was prescribed insulin last fall, he didn't even bother to pick up his first dose.

With his family's monthly prescription costs already eating up almost half of their fixed income, Henry and his wife, Trina, said that another $120 co-pay would have meant dropping different medications or "going hungry."

They ended up spending their 48th anniversary at UPMC Somerset after complications from Pete Henry's untreated diabetes nearly took his life, Trina Henry said.

"We knew it was a risk, but what else could we do?" she said. "We couldn't afford it."

Through help from the Highlands Health free and charitable medical clinic, that has changed, the Henrys said during an interview on Thursday at Highlands Health's Somerset clinic.

The New Centerville couple were recognized as the clinic's 9,000th and 9,001st patients in its history across the Cambria-Somerset area.

But the tragic reality is that their story isn't unique, said Colleen Stewart-Tretter, a registered nurse who is Highlands Health's Somerset clinic coordinator.

"We just treated three people last week in similar situations — one was a stroke patient," Stewart-Tretter said. "Prescriptions can cost thousands of dollars ... and for people with limited income, it can be too much to handle."

Highlands Health for years has served the Greater Johnstown area's low-income, underinsured and uninsured residents, with its site on Locust Street in downtown Johnstown serving patients by appointment four days a week.

The nonprofit has done the same on Thursdays in Somerset, but Stewart-Tretter said it hasn't often been as easy to raise awareness about their service-minded mission.

Highlands Health Director Rosalie Danchanko referred to Highlands Health's clinic on the third floor of UPMC Somerset as Somerset's "best-kept secret." But she doesn't want it to stay that way.

The medical clinic was able to help the Henry family cover prescription costs — not just Pete Henry's, but his wife's, too.

"Their help has literally been life-saving," said Trina Henry. "I cannot say enough good things about them."

Pete Henry said he worked his entire life, despite health issues, first in sawmills and later as a maintenance worker to prepare for retirement — and he admitted he's "stubborn" about asking for help.

"We've always been in that middle ground — earning too much to qualify for financial assistance ... but hardly enough to make ends meet," Trina Henry said. "Sometimes, you just have to be willing to accept things ... and accept help."

She said she hopes that other struggling Somerset County residents are willing to do the same.

The couple said they have returned to Highlands Health for regular appointments.

"From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I felt their genuine concern for my well-being," Pete Henry said. "We love seeing them."

For more information about Highlands Health or to schedule an appointment, call 814-534-6242.