Community Free Clinic Newsletter

Prescription for Success

Vol. 1.3 - March 2007

Dr. Garabed A. Fattal Community Free Clinic

            Does it seem like that waiting room of ours is getting smaller?  Do you feel like we see more patients at the clinic than we used to?  Well, you are right.  The average number of patients seen each clinic night has risen steadily, 15-16% each year for the past few years.  The graph below demonstrates how the number of patient visits fluctuates greatly, but has continued a steady upward trend for the past 18 months.

Clinic Space Issues

            The increasing number of patient visits is putting a strain on the physical space available to see patients.  Cramped quarters are felt by all – not enough exam rooms; limited storage space for equipment, supplies, medical records and drugs; lack of space for charting; pharmacy operations in the hallway; etc.

            You probably noticed Ms. Diane Precopio checking out the facilities at the Broome Co. Health Dept. and observing our Community Free Clinic operations last month.  She may have spoken with some of you about our current challenges and space limitations.   

            Ms. Precopio has worked with several local healthcare practices to design their facilities.  She will be making recommendations about the kind of space the Free Clinic needs as the first step in acquiring expanded space.  Ms. Precopio’s efforts on this project are funded entirely by a special grant we received from the Skirball Foundation, earmarked specifically for a study of our clinic space requirements.

New Faces At The Clinic

            Several new faces have appeared at the Community Free Clinic in the past few weeks.  Please give these new people a warm welcome, if you haven’t already.

• Paul Guley, RPh joined our staff in March.  As an experienced pharmacist, Paul should be able to answer your pharmacy questions and provide guidance in prescribing the appropriate meds for our patients.
• Mary Alice O’Brien, NP began volunteering at the end of February.  Mary Alice is currently working at Planned Parenthood.  She looks forward to collaborating with other medical professionals and increasing her general medical experience.
• Lucy Smith, RN also joined our volunteer staff in February.  You will see her working with the Monday night crew of nurses, screening patients and assisting the providers.

Patient Assistance Program

           Keep up the good work!  Our PAP savings continue to grow.  During the first quarter of 2007, we received more then $25,000 worth of drugs through the various Patient Assistance Programs offered by the major pharmaceutical companies.  That is $25,000 worth of drugs that our clinic did not have to purchase.

Report To The Community - 2006

           We produced our first Annual Report for the Dr. Garabed A. Fattal Community Free Clinic this year.  Our Report to the Community – 2006 included clinic operational highlights from the previous year, as well as volunteer and donor recognition.  If you did not receive a copy, please let us know.  You can send an email to halterb@upstate.edu or call the Clinical Campus, 772-3530.

Current Drug Abundance

           Don’t forget to check the Drug Abundance list each clinic session.  This list will change frequently, as the availability of donated drugs varies.  Please consider prescribing these medications when appropriate for your patient.

Newsletter Suggestions  

            Do you have an idea for our next newsletter, or something you would like more information about?  Would you like to contribute some news or a brief message to your clinic teammates?  Please send your comments, suggestions, and/or news items via email halterb@upstate.edu or fax to the Clinical Campus (772-3536)