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Lessons Learned from Our History
By Debra T Boudreaux,
Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic
Through its thirteen years
history, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic has learned a number of
valuable lessons that any free clinic might appreciate:
- Every Free Clinic should strive to become a
visible part of its community. As agencies that are providing a service
that impacts the overall community and to some degree are dependent
upon the community largess for operating support, a visible presence is
important. Buddhist Tzu Chi Free Clinic's history reflects an initial
start-up period during which support came almost exclusively from
private foundations. This was followed by a regular and concerted
effort by the agency to be visible through the media, at public events,
etc. This not only created a clearer picture for potential donors, but
it also made those who might make use of the Free Clinic services more
aware of their availability.
- Free Clinics should focus
upon prevention as well as treatment. Individuals seek services when
they are in need of care. At the time of treatment, free clinics have
an opportunity to focus on proactive health promotion as a means to
prevent unnecessary returns for medical care. Health care reform begins
with individual responsibility. Reinforcement of these behaviors should
be pursued at every opportunity.
- Free
Clinics have a responsibility beyond the care of those who seek their
assistance. There are few voices that are presently promoting the
interests of the medically disenfranchised population. Strong lobbies
exist for payers and providers, and even patients with access; yet
there are no equally compelling and savvy proponents of the interests
of those people served by the Free Clinics. This response ignores real
opportunities for impacting the health care system proactively in order
to improve conditions for those we serve. Most, if not all, Free
Clinics would become redundant if universal access to an acceptable
level and standard of medical care were available. All Free Clinics
should take steps to assure that their voice is heard on behalf of our
patients.
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