'Bridge' for the Community
The Nov. 2 Signature Sensations fundraiser for the Jean B. Purvis Community Health Center is already sold out, but money is just half the benefits the event brings.
True, said John Righetti, major gift officer for the center at 103 Bonnie Drive, last year's food and wine event featuring WQED chef Chris Fennimore emceeing “specialty dishes cooked by Butler County chefs, raised $60,000 for the Summit Township health center.
But, the event also raises the profile of the center dedicated to serving the health needs of those are working but unable to afford health insurance.
“We provide a very needed service for the working uninsured in Butler County and the surrounding areas,” Righetti said.
Many center patients are working for employers that don't offer health insurance or have plans that are too expensive.
Others have a medical plan that isn't accepted by area health providers or they can't find a physician who is taking on new patients.
“We provide a very needed service,” he said. “We offer primary health care and dental care, which is huge.
“We treat veterans because the Veterans Administration doesn't necessarily provide dental care to veterans,” Righetti said.
The center also offers behavioral health care, if needed, because some clients “have chronic anxiety or depression from keeping their heads above water working two or three jobs,” he said.
The center also offers classes for clients and the public covering topics such as stopping smoking and losing weight.
The doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and aides are all unpaid volunteers.
The center has exam rooms, a dental theater, a drug closet and an X-ray machine.
“We sell nothing and we charge nothing,” said Righetti.
Last year the center saw 3,000 patients, said Linda Thoma, director of operations. The patients range in age from 19 to 64 although the upper age limit has some leniency with patients over 64, especially when it comes to dental procedures.
The center doesn't treat children.Many of those coming to the center had health insurance at their former employer and are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, none of which come with health insurance.“We are the bridge between where they were and where they are going,” said Righetti.Thoma said, “Our average client stay is 2 and a half years.”The average client is 47 years old, and 60 percent are working two or more jobs to make ends meet.They fall into a gap, she said.“They can't afford to purchase insurance on the health market, but they make too much for medical assistance,” said Thoma.Righetti and Thoma said the health center provides the uninsured with much more than a free flu shot.The center acts as a connector between its clients and other social service providers.Righetti said, “We are the coordinator of care for the uninsured population of the community.” The center can put its patients in touch with a range of social agencies.But the people the center was created to help often don't know it exists.“If you don't need us, you don't think about us,” said Thoma.That's why the Signature Sensations and the spring fundraiser, the Community Cornerstone Award dinner, are vital in not just raising money but raising awareness of the health center.Righetti was responsible for getting WQED celebrity Fennimore to be master of ceremonies for the event.Righetti had cooked on Fennimore's television show several times and approached him to be master of ceremonies.“It works out well. With him it's a signature event,” said Righetti.Fennimore said, “It's great fun every year. I look forward to it.”
The Jean B. Purvis Health Center provides primary medical care including basic dental care, behavioral health care and medications to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured — having limited benefits. It provides:- History and Physical Exam- Referral to specialists — when necessary (cost may not be covered)- Treatment of acute and chronic illness- Nutrition counseling- Diagnostic laboratory testing- Referral to an appropriate social serviceSOURCE: Jean B. Purvis Health Center
