The People's Health Clinic News

January 2011 Newsletter

Happy New Year!

Clinic Receives PC Foundation Grant for a 3rd Year

PHC Executive Director Nann Worel and Park City Foundation Executive Director Trisha Worthington

"The Park City Foundation supported the People's Health Clinic with a Community Fund grant this year because they are an impactful, well-run organization providing an invaluable service to our community - making healthcare accessible for all."

-Trisha Worthington

But wait!

There's more....

Nann Worel has just been appointed to the Governing Board of the National Association of Free Clinics.

The NAFC is the only nonprofit organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the more than 1,200 free clinics and the people they serve in the United States.

We're proud that Nann has been selected for this important post, and we know her leadership and experience will benefit the free clinics whose work is so important at this time!

Thanks to our Volunteers

of the Month

Annette Johnson,

Certified Nurse

Midwife

Annette has faithfully cared for pregnant patients at the Clinic for several years..

Annette is so devoted to her patients - Volunteer Coordinator Patti Peters recalls that, after a serious accident last year, Annette was repeatedly apologetic about not being able to fulfill her usual role. And she's proud of the work the nurse midwives do at PHC:

"We give the same level of care that women would get at any clinic - it's important that good prenatal care is available to everyone."

Lisa Case RN,

Vitals Taker

Lisa checks patients in and takes vital signs each week at PHC.

Vital-sign volunteers must understand the way a clinic runs, because taking vitals and "rooming" patients is so critical to our daily schedule. Lisa is someone we have been able to count on to give skilled care since 2009.

"I'm always happy to come in - here the staff and volunteers really care for patients. For some, this is their medical home, and it's so beautiful and professional!"

-Lisa

Greetings!

Here's to 2011 and our second year in this wonderful facility! We ended last year with 7,094 patient visits, up 15% from the previous year. And over 1,250 of those were new patients, which is very exciting for us - it means that people who need medical care are finding their way here. How many of them came with needs that had been neglected over time?

Thanks to all who have kept us going through these hard times when the need is greater and everyone's resources are stretched.

Message from PHC Medical Director

Dr. Robert Pellegrine

The way to a healthy life is simple, but so, so hard!

Simple rules to follow - eat only three meals a day on a smaller plate (no snacks or sweets), eat only until not hungry (never until "full"), and exercise daily - sounds easy but following them can be a challenge.

In 2010 we determined that 85% of PHC patients have underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and arthritis, often caused or exacerbated by poor health habits. But thanks to continued community support, we can provide the guidance our patients need with an integrated approach. PHC now offers family nutrition classes combined with personal coaching during regular doctor's visits to help patients achieve healthy lifestyles.

And we are reaching into the communities of Summit and Wasatch Counties to encourage uninsured residents to schedule annual checkups to see if they have chronic conditions they are not aware of. People who don't have insurance often won't seek a doctor's care until they are very sick. But some chronic diseases don't announce their presence until they become serious.

Thanks to your help - whether you are a donor or volunteer - in 2011 we will continue to provide this ongoing care and education to the community.

Save the Date - March 21

National Health Advocate To Speak on

Where Reform Issues Stand and

Where They May, and Should, Be Headed