Due to the increasing demand for the services provided, both the Church and the Clinic have run out of space to best serve their members and patients. The Church needs more room for various youth and adult programs; the Clinic has a need for additional patient rooms, an educational and conference room, as well as, more space for new and existing services. In the last four months of 2011 alone, patient visits to the clinic have increased by 27 percent over the last 5 year average; patient visits for July increased 18 percent from July of last year, medication expenses increased 76 percent from last year, and every clinic has operated at maximum capacity. The relocation can bring the Clinic an opportunity to grow current programs and services.

The Clinic’s community executive board is committed to procuring a space which is easily accessible through public transportation and to continue serving all patients during the relocation process. The Clinic is the safety net which provides the much needed healthcare support to the community; it fills the gap for the uninsured, the underinsured, the unemployed, and the underemployed.

“During this moving process, the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic needs community support more than ever before,” said Maribeth Woodford, Executive Director. “We would like to say a very big thank you to Valleybrook for their 14 years of generously donated space. Their support has been critical to the success of the Clinic. We are very appreciative of everyone’s efforts on our behalf, and may we all look forward to expanding our services and building upon our many years of growth.”

A few of the fabulous prizes you may be eligible for include a car wash package through Ship Shape or a Kindle donated by the health department staff.

One ticket may be purchased for $20 or three tickets can be purchased for $50. Ticket sales end September 9. Contact the clinic by phone 715-839-8477 (ext. 203) or by email at info@cvfreeclinic.org to arrange a ticket purchase. Drawing will be held at September Board meeting: September 19 and winners will receive notification through email or phone.

Support the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic by purchasing your raffle ticket today!

Thank you to those who have supported us during our summer raffle!

In the past, when a patient needed eye‐related care, CVFC would write a referral to an area eye‐clinic. Over the past year, this need was met by HealthView Eye Clinic’s Jeff Bourgerie, O.D. When he was no longer able to take Free Clinic referrals, he offered to donate three critical pieces of equipment: the chair, stand, and phoropter (a device used to determine eye glass prescriptions). “I knew how many individuals were coming from the Free Clinic, so I decided to give them some of the tools they need so they can become more self‐sufficient,” said Bourgerie.

The Clinic retrofitted one of its rooms with the donated equipment from Bourgerie as well as a slit‐lamp from Luther Midelfort. New capabilities include eye‐health screenings for individuals with glaucoma, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, basic treatment of those conditions, and corrective glasses.

Aveen Banich, M.D., a Luther Midelfort Ophthalmalogist, has volunteered her expertise to provide the leadership to the new program. “I just want to help get the ball rolling. There’s a direct correlation between eye‐health and the health of the rest of the body, and I want to help bring these services to people who might otherwise not receive them,” said Banich. According to CVFC’s executive director, Brent Hafele, “We’ve been given an amazing opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of our patients. The clinic now has many of the tools, however, in order for the program to be a success, we also need the support of volunteers and donors in the community.” CVFC is now seeking eye care professionals to volunteer with the new program and optical labs to provide donated or discounted services. In addition, the Clinic is accepting donations to pay for glasses and other eye care related expenses. For more information, go to www.cvfreeclinic.org/eye‐care.

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The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic opened its doors in 1997 with the mission to provide health services to and advocacy for the people of the Chippewa Valley who have no health care alternative. If you’d like more information about the clinic, or to schedule an interview with Brent Hafele, please call 715.839.8477.

CVFC saw a 47% increase in the number of first-time patients, compared to 2008; typically, new patient volume increases between 5-10% from year to year. In total, last year almost 800 individuals from the Chippewa Valley turned to the Free Clinic to receive their medical care. The Free Clinic released their 2009 Statistical Report on January 21, 2010.

“Prior to the recession, most of our patients were working,” says Dr. Ken Adler, CVFC’s founder and current medical director, “Now many of those patients have lost their jobs and need our help more than ever.” The Free Clinic responded to the increased demand by expanding services, opening earlier, and increasing volunteer opportunities. Despite all of these efforts, the Clinic continues to struggle to meet the need. “Our community helped in a big way in 2009,” said Hafele, “However, the needs continue. Donors and volunteers of all types are invited to make an impact in our patient’s lives.”

CVFC has worked hard to stretch its resources to serve even more patients. In 2009, it cost $404 to serve one patient for an entire year with primary medical care, a cost reduction of $100 from 2007. Care includes exams, labs, x-rays, medications, and other services.

2010 will be another big year for the Free Clinic. Expansion plans include dental health, ophthalmology, and a new wellness program. The Clinic will also implement an electronic medical records system. Community members interested in supporting the Clinic are encouraged to go to www.cvfreeclinic.org/get-involved.

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The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic opened its doors in 1997 with the mission to provide health services to and advocacy for the people of the Chippewa Valley who have no health care alternative. If you’d like more information about the clinic, or to schedule an interview with Brent Hafele, please call 715.839.8477.

We had a very productive conference call earlier this morning.  Over 13 callers attended the call (about 25% of free clinics in WI).  Here are a few things that were discussed:

• ACTION ITEM:  Nation-wide, State Attorney General’s are beginning to grant Medicare/Medicaid Fraud money to Free Clinics.  So far over $4.1 million has gone to Free Clinics from MMF sources.  We would love to bring that trend to WI.  David Mortimer, one of our volunteers, drafted a letter for your Free Clinic to adapt and then send to our Attorney General.  WI will be receiving several large settlements next year, now is the time to act!  Please download the letter, adapt it, then send it to our AG and copy your Madison legislators.  A phone call to the AG’s office and/or your legislators would also be helpful.  Download the letter by CLICKING HERE.

• There are over 1,200 Free Clinics in the US, and together we serve over 8 million people per year.  While each of us is different, we are joined by a common cause.  The NAFC is now recommending that informally define Free Clinics as “The community’s response to the health needs in that area.”

• Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC Executive Director, discussed the exciting year that the National Association of Free Clinics has had and how that makes a huge impact on its members.  Nicole also spoke about the impact of Health Care Reform on Free Clinics.  The policy experts at the NAFC believe that there will continue to be a substantial role for Free Clinics after health care reform.

• NAFC Summit attendees from WI discussed their experience at the Summit and highlights from what they learned.

• The WI State Free Clinic’s meeting will be April 23 near the Madison area.

• Finally, we discussed how we can work more closely together as a state-wide group.  All on the call found the call helpful and would like to begin holding a monthly conference call.  The call will be chaired by the State Coordinator (in this case Traci Rogers).  The group proposed that agenda items may include:
  • Nuts and Bolts of Free Clinic Operations
  • How to collaborate better as a state group
  • State-wide grant requests such as the effort with the WI AG
  • Public Policy and its impact on our clinics
  • National and Regional Association updates

Today, Mary is doing her best in Eau Claire’s challenging employment environment. She’s working in a temporary position without health insurance. According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic care and supplies cost an average of $1,100 per month. These expenses can often exceed a patient’s income on a part-time, temporary job like Mary’s.

However, thanks to the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic, her diabetes is under control. She came to the clinic about ten months ago. After an initial consultation by our team of medical volunteers, Mary was given resources to better manage her condition. Mary was given supplies to test her blood sugar, insulin to regulate her levels, and education to reduce the impact of lifestyle on her health condition. Our services have provided more than access to health care, they have provided a welcome calm in Mary’s storm.

*Name has been changed

We greatly appreciate the work of Dr. Whitis and all of our volunteers.  Virtually all of the services our patients receive come directly from volunteers.

Senator Kohl expressed his belief that our health care system was failing and he frequently cited statistics placing the United States far behind other developed countries in a number of health metrics.  The discussion was full of emotion from all sides of the ideological spectrum, but our own points of discussion with Senator Kohl pertained principally to the Clinic’s mission.  This year, 8 million patients will be served by free clinics throughout the nation.  Regardless of the reform plan chosen, legislation must designate Free Clinics as a “critical health care provider;” this distinction would increase the access to Federal grants, increase the legitimacy of the free clinic delivery model, and provide new opportunities to influence legislation to advance the work of free clinics.

Earlier in the month, the Senator announced a $50,000 federal grant to CVFC for an electronic medical records system.

We thoroughly appreciate Senator Kohl for his invitation and for the grant.