The Torch, Spring/Summer 2010

32 TORCH | Spring–Summer 2010 Perspectives From The Path ® Free clinics: the untold story of the health care reform discussion. Ohio has 41 of them, and many are faith-based. One such clinic is Compassionate Care (CC) of Shelby County. Executive Director Teresa Ditmer was convinced that if they built it, people would come. Opened with the support of a few local churches in 2007, CC began providing primary medical care to many of the county’s 4,500 uninsured citizens. And people have come — and continue to come. With only four full-time employees, CC now treats more than 1,000 patients a year. The county’s 14.4 percent unemployment rate is almost three points higher than the state average of 11.8 percent. CC has seen office visits increase by 30 percent the last two years, and 2010 is on track to exceed that rate. With limited staff and resources, CC has turned away hundreds of patients who live outside the county, referring them to free clinics in other cities. More than $2 million worth of prescription drugs have been dispensed through the CC pharmacy. Last year, the clinic began providing basic dental care for those without dental coverage. The goal of CC is to catch those who have fallen through the cracks of the health care system. This is the body of Christ responding to the needs of the uninsured and the underinsured. This is dozens of doctors, dentists, and nurse practitioners donating hundreds of hours to provide office visits long after their professional colleagues have gone home to their families. This is going beyond the typical medical practice, not only giving patients the medications they cannot afford but also connecting them with social service networks, job placement services, and food banks. This effort is decidedly Christian. Medical volunteers staff the center with a mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Volunteers are on hand to pray with patients, and those looking for more spiritual help are plugged in to area churches. CC is an example of Christians exercising their capacity to meet physical and spiritual needs by serving the wounded and suffering. One need not take sides on the health care debate to appreciate this kind of care and compassion exhibited by the body of Christ. This editorial is presented by CDR Radio Network, The Path. Chad Bresson serves as Impact News director. A Cedarville University graduate, he is a self- proclaimed news junkie and has been at the network since 1992. Bresson can be heard online at www.ThePath.fm . The Hands and Feet of Jesus by Chad Bresson To hear the full interview with Teresa Ditmer, visit www.ThePath.fm/ditmer .