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On February 1, 1996 at Epworth Methodist Church, Manos Juntas opened a clinic to treat people in need of care with no charge. This clinic is run by volunteers including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, students, and support personnel from all walks of life. The mission of the clinic is to see anyone who presents for care. Medications are donated and purchased from Manos Juntas funds. The members of Epworth have contributed time, money, and priceless energy to assure that this mission succeeds. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon, people come into the clinic for care. There are usually 40-50 people each Saturday. For most of these people, this is their sole source of care. Epworth is located in a community of relatively low income. Most of the patients are Vietnamese, Laotians, Latin Americans, and African Americans. The illnesses treated include common respiratory infections, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Laboratory tests include glucose, cholesterol, and urinalysis done on site. If further tests are needed, patients go to a near-by commercial laboratory. Jeni Markham-Clewell, a Manos Juntas board member, serves as the coordinator for this clinic. Volunteers are listed below.
Over the last few months many other people have contributed to the success of this clinic. The patients have increased significantly. We now treat 50-70 people every Saturday. Manos Juntas board member Jeni Markham-Clewell has provided incredible service with schedules and maintenance of volunteers and medicines. One of our early volunteers is now in medical school and two are in Physician Assistant school. Several are in the OUHSC School of Pharmacy. Languages (translators) needed to support this effort include Vietnamese, Spanish, Arabian, Chinese, and Laotian. |
