JoAnn Livingston, Waxahachie Daily Light, Thursday, October 23, 2008

State Sen. Kip Averitt and state Rep. Jim Pitts toured Hope Clinic on Wednesday, gaining insights into the nonprofit organization’s program of work – and offering their assistance to ensure its continued growth and success.

Commissioner Pct. 3 Heath Sims facilitated the tour, noting the public/private partnership established between the county and Hope to provide primary health care for the uninsured and underinsured population in Ellis County.

“We’ve seen a very big benefit from our partnership,” Sims said, pointing out the county’s continued support that includes recently increasing its contract with the clinic.

The additional monies being put into Hope will allow it to purchase dental equipment as well as hire a part-time dentist and full-time nurse practitioner, he said.

About 300 people ae on the waiting list for dental care, with Hope executive director Mackie Owens saying that, with a nurse practitioner to join Dr. Mary Beth Felty on staff, the clinic will have two full-time medical providers in its offices to see patients and provide a continuum of care.

Owens briefed the two legislators and their accompanying staff members on Hope’s history and the growth it has seen since its formation about eight years ago.

“This was an act of love,” said Owens, who was recognized by all on hand for her dedication and passion to serving those with medical needs.

Hope received its startup funding from tobacco settlement monies provided by the county and began as a free clinic with volunteer physicians in a building it purchased for $1 on donated land. Even though Hope has continued to expand its services and has grown to where it does have paid staff, volunteer physicians still help provide health care.

Hope board president Todd Little said the community support has continued to increase through the years, with about $75,000 contributed through private donations on an annual basis toward its budget of about $500,000.

The clinic also has received several grants to help with funding and most recently was awarded a planning grant to assist it with the process of becoming a federally qualified health center, Owens said.

“This is one of the ways the clinic can continue to grow and see more people,” she said of Hope’s plan to become qualified for federal funding.

“You see people who are coming into the clinic and they know the people here care about them. You see them begin to start caring about themselves,” Sims said.

Of an estimated 23,000 people in Ellis County who do not have insurance, Hope is serving about 4,000. The majority of its patients have a family income of 200 percent of the poverty level or less.

“This is the type of public/private partnership you love to see working,” Averitt said. “I’ve heard nothing but outstanding, glowing reviews of what is going on at this clinic. … I’m proud of what you are doing. You have a wonderful program.”

Pitts complimented the clinic on what it is able to accomplish with its budget and noted his family’s support of Hope.

“Kip and I will work with you, if there’s a problem,” he said, with Averitt adding, “Whatever I can do to help, let me know.”

County Judge Chad Adams described Hope as “an amazing success story.”

“We know we have a good deal going with Hope Clinic,” he said. “What we didn’t know is how it’s becoming an example for other areas of the state on how to provide good health care.”

As did Sims, Adams also credited the community’s support and involvement in Hope.

“This community has an ownership in this clinic, which is what makes it successful,” he said. “That is really key.”

Little urged the group on hand to attend the upcoming Seeds of Hope dinner, which serves as the clinic’s major local fundraiser.

“We do good things for people who can’t help themselves,” he said.

Attendees at Seeds of Hope are served dinner, enjoy entertainment and hear a presentation about the clinic as they are informed about opportunities to contribute and volunteer. This year’s event is set from 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 11 at the Waxahachie Civic Center.

Adams will emcee the event, with the keynote speaker to be Congressman Joe Barton.

For more information on attending Seeds of Hope, call office manager Amy Hollingsworth at 972-923-2440, ext. 223.