For Immediate Release

March 17 , 2008

clinic with a heart: program gives students, faculty a chance to share skills with uninsured

LINCOLN, Neb. — For one night each month, a group of Nebraska Wesleyan faculty and students travel to the Center for People in Need and turn their talents into what some would consider miracles.

It’s at this north 27th Street facility, that nearly 3,000 patients come in seeking medical, dental, physical therapy and chiropractic care. The patients likely have little to no income, no health insurance, and are in need of medical treatment.

Founded in 2003, Clinic With a Heart is an organization that provides free walk-in services to uninsured residents in and around Lincoln.  Clinics are held the first, third, and fourth Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Each night is sponsored by a different Lincoln church including Saint Paul United Methodist Church, who in turn got Wesleyan involved.

Students and faculty from the Nursing and Spanish departments and several pre-med students volunteer their time.

 “Clinic With a Heart is staffed by more than 400 medical and non-medical volunteers from local churches and others throughout the community,” said Jeri Brandt, Professor of Nursing and Clinic With A Heart volunteer. “As far as Nebraska Wesleyan University goes, we consider this a joint effort between us and St. Paul United Methodist Church.”

“We have truly enjoyed working with the NWU students and faculty,” said Steve Griffith, a minister at St. Paul United Methodist Church and member of Clinic With a Heart.  “The nursing students have been a great gift and the interpreters from the Spanish Department help out very much.

Griffith said, there are so many people who don’t have insurance and can’t afford even minimal health care.  Clinic With a Heart acts as hope along with care for these people.  The clinic has given prosthetic limbs, offered medication for high blood pressure, and has even saved lives. 

The clinic acts as an entry point to health care because many patients don’t know where to go, can’t afford medical care, or don’t know where to begin to get help.  The clinic ensures people will receive needed referrals to specialists and help in securing needed prescriptions.
 
 “I’m so awed by the commitment and compassion of our faithful volunteers,” Griffith added. “I’m so proud to team up with NWU and be a part of this great cause.”

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