The Capital Medical Society, Inc. joins its sister organization, the Capital Medical Society Foundation, Inc., in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the We Care Network program. The program, established in 1992, has coordinated over $120 million in donated specialty medical and dental healthcare for low-income, uninsured adults in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Wakulla Counties. “Physician volunteerism is the program’s lifeblood,” says Executive Director Pam Irwin. The Capital Medical Society is an association for physicians in the four-county area. Three hundred of Capital Medical Society’s members donate healthcare through the program. Other members are referring primary care physicians. Physicians hoping to improve health outcomes and the quality of life for at-risk adults appreciate the We Care Network for distributing charity care equitably among their colleagues and simplifying the screening and referral process. Eligible patients must have income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level and have no other resources to pay for the needed healthcare.
Dental care plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, particularly for low-income, uninsured adults. Access to preventative services, such as regular check-ups and cleanings, can help identify issues before they escalate into more significant problems. For those in need, programs that offer charitable dental care can be life-changing, allowing individuals to receive necessary treatments without the burden of financial strain. Many local dentists volunteer their time and expertise, ensuring that smiles restored are not just about aesthetics but also about improving self-esteem and quality of life. Furthermore, addressing dental health is essential for overall well-being, as untreated oral health issues can lead to more serious medical complications. Regular dental visits can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions that can adversely affect one’s health.
Moreover, education plays a vital role in empowering individuals to take charge of their dental health. By providing information on proper oral hygiene practices, community programs can help residents develop healthier habits that can lead to better long-term outcomes. Workshops, dental fairs, and school-based programs can raise awareness about the importance of dental care, ensuring that families understand how to maintain their oral health. Such initiatives can demystify dental visits and encourage individuals to seek care proactively, ultimately contributing to a healthier community. In addition to preventative care, having access to emergency dental services is critical for individuals facing unexpected dental issues. For low-income, uninsured adults, finding an emergency dentist henderson nv, can be a lifesaver when a sudden toothache or dental injury occurs. Many community programs and clinics offer urgent care services, allowing individuals to receive immediate treatment without the stress of high costs. This access not only alleviates pain but also helps prevent more severe complications that could arise from untreated dental emergencies.
Through a case management team of six, the We Care Network partners with referring primary care providers from Bond Community Health Center, Neighborhood Medical Center, the TMH Family Medicine Residency Program, North Florida Medical Centers, and Care Point Health & Wellness Center to identify at-risk, uninsured, adult patients in need of specialty healthcare. The team collaborates with volunteer physicians, dentists, donating hospitals, and ancillary providers to deliver donated care. Last year, the We Care Network received 2,908 requests for specialty medical or dental providers. The need is great.
“Physician volunteerism is not the answer to uninsured healthcare,” said Dr. Jim Stockwell, the local We Care Network founder. The We Care Network is a Band-Aid on the healthcare system in a community that values access for all. THANK YOU to the physicians and dentists who have been a part of the We Care Network these past thirty years.
About: Capital Medical Society, Inc. is a 501(c)(6) corporation, dedicated to promoting the practice of medicine for the ultimate benefit of the patient. For more information, visit https://capmed.org/ or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Capital-Medical-Society-113978948699469/.
