News in Brief: September 2011
September, 2011
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT: Maliheh Free Clinic
Since May 2005, the Maliheh Free Clinic has been providing free medical services for children and adults at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines who do not have health insurance. The clinic serves, on average, 80 paitents a day and is staffed by over 100 volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, social workers, techs, interpreters, and clerical staff. The clinic is funded by private donations and obtains many of its medical supplies from Globus Relief. Jeannie Ashby, Clinical Director at Maliheh, stated that “without that partnership, our supply costs would increase dramatically and make it impossible to provide care to the thousands of patients we see at the Maliheh Free Clinic each year.”
Jasmin and Rick* are two patients who have benefited from the donations sent to Globus Relief from our valued donor partners. Jasmin was involved in a serious car accident which resulted in her being paralyzed from the waist down. She did not qualify for Medicaid or Disability, so a friend took her to the Maliheh Free Clinic which serves the uninsured in Salt Lake City. Jasmin had extensive needs for Durable Medical Equipment such as a mattress to prevent pressure sores, a triangle to attach to the bed to improve movement and repositioning, and a newer wheelchair; these and other needed medical supplies that improve her daily life were met through the generous donations made to Globus Relief. Ashby continued, “Without this resource, the clinic would never be able to afford to fund these kinds of purchases for our patients. It just wouldn’t be an option.“
Rick, 50 years old and unemployed for over a year, had an infection in his toe that was not responding to antibiotics. Because of his diabetes, Rick was at risk to lose his toe and even his foot. A volunteer Podiatrist asked if there was any way of providing IV antibiotics for Dean through the clinic. A local healthcare provider installed a PICC line to allow Maliheh Clinic to administer the antibiotics, a nursing agency provided a Home Health Nurse who administered the antibiotics on the weekends while the clinic was closed and taught the patient to self administer the medication, a local pharmacy greatly discounted the cost of the medication, and Globus Relief provided all of the medical supplies necessary to make it all work. It was exciting to see so many people and organizations unite to help one individual in need. Rick’s toe is now healed; he is back in school and looking forward to moving forward with improved health.