Temple's Walk-in Clinic Cares for Uninsured, Immigrants

Dr. David Singer checks Jaime Viviani's blood pressure at Beth El temple's walk-in clinic in Sudbury, Mass. (photo: Elizabeth Mendonca Simoes, Brazilian Times)

SUDBURY, Mass. -- The health care is improvised, but the high attendance proves that patients gratefully appreciate it.

Almost every Tuesday evening, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Sudbury Congregation Beth El turns into the MetroWest Free Medical Program, a walk-in clinic designed to treat underserved and uninsured populations.

What started four years ago as a “Band-aid” to care for about 20 low-income people has morphed into a reliable source of treatment for 40 patients per week.

EthnicNEWz.org strolled through the Jewish temple as nurses rallied language interpreters in the majority-immigrant crowd. Patients like Jaime Viviani, 58, a newspaper distributer for Brazilian Times, came to request a test for glucose (blood sugar).

“What do I need a hospital for? I can get the health care I need here,” said Viviani.

Although the lack of lines makes for a chaotic scene, the quality of care is guaranteed by a team of 15 professionals, all volunteers, such as Dr. David Singer, orthopedist Israel Herwitz and pediatric nurse Karin Segan.

“We’re also excited to be offering monthly clinics on chronic illnesses, with two endocrinologists (doctors who specialize in hormone-related disorders such as diabetes), two nutritionists, and a psychiatrist,” said Karin Segan, who works as a nurse also during the day.

The most common diseases treated at Beth El, says Segan, are acute illnesses, bronchitis, chronic aches, women’s health, and untreated chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The program benefits mainly local immigrant families that, because of their irregular immigration status, don’t qualify to be covered by the Massachusetts Health Reform law.

Last year, says Kim Prendergast, the resource developer, the program provided care to 515 patients through 753 visits. Nearly all the patients ranging in age from 19 to 64, since children are covered by Medicare programs.

In 2007, about two-thirds of patients were Brazilian and 15 percent Hispanic. About 75 percent of patients hail from Framingham, Marlborough, Maynard, and Acton, which are all west of Boston.

“If you go to a private dermatologist, you have to pay $150 for consultation,” said Elias Pereira, a wall painter in Marlborough who was concerned about a skin rash found on his chin. Pereira was referred to Beth El by a church in Hudson, Mass., where the free health care staff didn't incude a dermatologist.

Ana Tereza, Alessandra and Alana represent three generations of the Barbosa family relying on the free service.  Alessandra came to treat a wart on her face, Ana Tereza to see a gynecologist. As several names are called, the Barbosas know volunteers are doing their best.

“Although we sometimes feel a little lost, we know they are here looking out for us,” said Alessandra Barbosa. Ana Tereza is satisfied with the service, but she sees it just as a temporary helping hand.

“Having a health plan would be better, for sure,” she said.

Samara Reis Coelho, a volunteer interpreter, said that the majority of patients told social workers that without Beth El’s care they would have nowhere to go.

“It’s amazing how people are treated here. They value everybody, and for uninsured people this help is much needed,” said Coelho, 16, a high school student who wants to become a nurse.

Mexican interpreter José Morales, 46, also enjoys the good sensation of giving back to his community. For almost three years Morales remained disabled to work because of a lower back injury he contracted while lifting heavy boxes at a warehouse company in Worcester, Mass.

“Here I feel I can really do something for people,” said Morales, a recently certified medical interpreter.

“It’s not important where the caregivers come from. But that the people who need help get help,” said Ruth Riceman, a former librarian who knows volunteers at the program.

For Riceman, the best reward comes from simply seeing the patients’ satisfied faces.
“Last year people brought baked cookies to thank us. And a grateful Brazilian housecleaner asked if she could clean our bathrooms and kitchen,” she added.

The Congregation Beth El is located at 105 Hudson Road, in Sudbury, Mass. Volunteers announced that this Tuesday, Nov. 25, they will no service. The program will continue on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008.