After the Thanksgiving holiday the Free Clinic will enter into a completely new and unprecedented venture with our friends at Kaiser. Beginning in two weeks, a resident pharmacist will see patients at the Free Clinic. Sound unusual? Well it is.
A resident pharmacist can see patients under the same types of protocols as a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant. The specially trained pharmacist, under the direct supervision of specifically credentialed pharmacist, can meet with a patient, monitor their medications, order follow-up lab tests and change the dosage or even the type of medication being administered.
The way it will work is a patient must first be seen by a physician for something like high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension. The physician will order lab tests and prescribe a treatment plan for the patient. Then the resident pharmacist will meet with the patient to follow-up their progress and modify the patient’s treatment as it relates to their diagnosed illness. This is a brand new type of healthcare service and although common to some Kaiser patients, it will be among the first times this type of service is offered in a community clinic setting in
On Saturday October 27th the Free Clinic held our annual 'Make A Difference Day' at our Dental and Medical Clinics. These photographs are from the Dental Clinic at which we provided direct services to 63 people of all ages. In addition to our five operatories we arranged for the Dental Van to be parked out front to provide us with two more operatories. Olga and her team did a great job.
Fred Bauermeister was awarded the California Wellness Foundation’s Leadership Award. The award includes at grant which will allow Fred to take a three month sabbatical and provide training for the Board of Directors. The purpose of the grant is to help key executives in the health care profession rejuvenate, relax and return to their job refreshed. It also gives health care organizations the opportunity to strengthen and review policies and procedures.
Mr. Peter Kiesecker was the winner of the 2007 SPIRIT Award. Each Year the Free Clinic selects a member of the community to honor for their contributions made to the Simi Valley community and the Free Clinic. Mr. Kiesecker has long been a supporter of the Free Clinic and we were very pleased to honor him.
Assembly member Cameron Smyth was the honorary Chair of the 2007 Gala and SPIRIT Award Dinner.
Mayor Paul Miller enjoying the evening with his wife Connie. Over 140 individuals attended the gala on October 27th which raised over $40,000 for the Free Clinic.
