Dana at Ribbon Cutting              logo             Rob Allen PCMC CEO

The People's Health Clinic News 
 Serving the
Uninsured Residents of Summit and Wasatch Counties, Utah Since 1999
650 Round Valley Drive at Quinn's Junction, Park City
www.peopleshealthclinic.org  
(435) 333-1850
Monthly E-Newsletter December 2009
The Big Picture
by Adam & Cindy Bronfman

 Adam&Cindy2
 
 

A year or so since the economic crisis began, it seems that Park City has not suffered as much as other parts of the country.  Yet, there is a segment of our local population that continues to live one paycheck away from insolvency.  Often getting sick is the difference between making it and not. 

 

It is an unfortunate truth that those with money have access to healthcare and those without it, don't. Ten years ago, caring and enlightened people in our community decided that would not be the case here.  And when Cindy and I learned about this effort, it spoke to the depths of our moral judgment.  When we give to the People's Health Clinic, we are not giving to charity as much as promoting justice - tzedakah. This Hebrew word calls upon us to help right the wrongs of the world in whatever ways we can. It calls upon us to give not because we are kind or good, but because it is right.

 

Now we begin a wonderful public/private/nonprofit partnership with Summit County and IHC.  The proximity of our new facilities to one another is symbolic AND practical, for we all provide essential services to the same clientele.

 

It's been a big year for PHC.  Yet, even with all the attention and good will the Clinic has received over the past year, Cindy and I are surprised to meet people almost every day who have not heard of People's Health.  We make it a point to tell them how PHC benefits individual residents and the community as a whole.  They are quick to recognize how extraordinary and successful an effort this has been.  They also see that, as we grow, the need for community support becomes greater, as patient numbers go up & up.

 

Cindy and I invite you to join us in giving what you can this year, and spreading the word about The People's Health Clinic. 

 

Happy Holidays!

 
 
 Americorps Volunteer Joins PHC to Organize Our Volunteer Corps!
 
Patti Peters
 
PHC has received a gift from Americorps - a volunteer to fill a long-needed position of Volunteer Coordinator! Patti Peters has joined PHC to recruit, orient, schedule, and care for those who give their time to community health. 

Patti is a Licensed Practical Nurse who has worked in various hospital and office settings, including Same Day Surgery and Pediatrics.  Living in Park City part-time for many years, she had her eye on PHC and, when she and her husband settled here full-time, she began to volunteer taking vital signs.  Now she can use her experience to help PHC make the most of our volunteer opportunities.

"Volunteers bring so much enthusiasm to the Clinic.  We have students pursuing medical training who are looking for a positive environment to earn  experience.  There are nurses who may not be working but are drawn to spend time helping in their field.  We need so much help, whether in the medical area,event-planning or offering technical or clerical skills. There is a place for everyone."

 

En Espanol

Greetings!
  
What a Great Day for PHC!
The Ribboncutting at our new shared facility!

Ribboncutting
. 
John Hanrahan, Ken Woolstenhume, Sally Elliott, Bob Richer, Claudia McMullin, Jeff Smith, and Chris Robinson cut the ribbon.

So many people came to celebrate - PHC founders, Summit County and Park City officials, volunteers and People's Health staff and our new friends at the Summit County Health Department.
A permanent home for PHC has been a long time coming.  Some remembered the days of pulling up in the van to various locations around town to see patients.  A few, like founders John Hanrahan and Father Bob Bussen, remembered the day that over 600 people showed up at a health fair at the high school, many with imediate medical needs.

Mayor Dana Williams quoted Margaret Mead as saying so many years ago,
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Two staffs
Staff members from PHC and Summit County Health
getting to know one another in their new home.

 
Patients Give Back to PHC
For the Care You've Made Possible
 
Early this month, when we really needed help, two patients spent the entire moving day at PHC. 
 Anna Amici
Florencio Nava, shown here with receptionist Elizabeth Isakson, came in for an appointment during the move, an appointment for a physical required for his US citizenship application.  A 74-year-old landscape worker who has lived in Park City since 1994, Florencio noticed that packing boxes were  piling up around the Clinic at the Yard and offered to help.  He spent his entire day off loading and unloading boxes into office and exam rooms.  Florencio said, "You have cured me two times - for my high blood pressure and a serious problem with my leg that kept me from working until you treated me. And now you are helping me become a citizen.  I thought I could help out."  Florencio  took the exam last week - his children helped him study the US Constitution and laws - and he hopes to have his citizenship within a year.
 
Anna Amici
Arturo Hernandez believes that when someone helps you, you should reciprocate.  And that when you give of yourself without an expectation of return, the deed is even better.  
 
Arturo works in maintenance and cleaning, but has been out of work for over a year.  When he heard the Clinic was moving,  it was natural that, since he had the time, he should pay back the kindness and care he and his family receives. 
 
Currently, Arturo's son is receiving twice-monthly physical therapy from PHC Volunteer Krista Clark for a foot injury.  Arturo is so pleased with the friendly and caring atmosphere at PHC and wants to say "Thanks" to all who help. 
Santa To Bring Ongoing Joy to PHC Kids!
 Santa
Shown here in a photo with PHC patients and patients' families is Santa, aka Jason Moore, President of Park City Area Homebuilders Association. The Homebuilders are building a children's waiting area in our new facility for our young patients to enjoy. 
 
A Holiday Gift Idea
 Anna Amici
 
This holiday season, give family, friends, or employees the gift of
compassion  & community goodwill!
 
Make a donation in each of their names to the 
People's Health Clinic!

For each gift donation, we will create a parchment scroll tied in holiday ribbon, telling the recipient of your gift. It's a gift that does so much to help others.
 
To make a gift donation, contact Nina Chartrand at   [email protected] or by phone at (435) 333-1877.
The gift scrolls will be available for distribution in time for the holidays.

Think outside the box this year!

Free clinics logo

The People's Health Clinic is a member of the National Association of Free Clinics.
Click these links!

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