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North Coast Health Ministry, a faith-based free clinic, provides healthcare services to low-income individuals in western Cuyahoga and eastern Lorain counties.
For 25 years, North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM) has been providing healthcare to uninsured people living on Cleveland's West Side. As faith-based free clinic, we are a bridge to better health for almost 3,000 individuals who have no other place to go. With the support of dozens of volunteer physicians and nurses, as well as clerical volunteers, NCHM is able to provide primary health care, specialty referrals, prescription assistance, preventative and chronic disease management, medical tests, behavioral/mental health counseling and health education to low-income individuals and families. Each year, the demand for our services grows. During the past two years alone, patient visits increased by nearly 40%. We are grateful that the generosity of others has enabled us to provide essential health services to our neighbors in need. |
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From Our Executive Director |
 NCHM Executive Director, Lee ElmoreAfter a recent medical examination, one of our patients tearfully confided to our nurse practitioner that she did not have enough money to cover groceries that week for herself and her seven-year-old daughter. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to give this woman a $10 grocery gift card to help her through her immediate crisis, in addition to free medical care and prescription assistance.
About a week later, I received a thank you card from this patient with a receipt itemizing exactly how she spent that $10. Bread, macaroni and cheese, apples, peas and corn were on the list. She felt accountable to us to let us know she spent the funds to meet the need she described. While small in amount, that $10 made a big difference to her and her daughter that week.
We continue to provide medical care to this patient. A day care provider, she has recently changed employers and now earns enough to purchase groceries and other necessities. She has diabetes but her symptoms are under control, thanks to the medication she receives at NCHM.
Talk is cheap. What we do—not just what we say—is the true demonstration of our gratitude for God’s blessings. It’s action that reveals the breadth and depth of a commitment. In 2011, our supporter community has shown just how broad and deep its commitment truly is to providing assistance to patients such as this woman. Whether you took action by volunteering your time, attending an event, or making a donation, you made a material difference in the life of one of our neighbors in need.
I pass along this woman’s words of thanks and remind you that she is one of almost 3,000 individuals you help annually through your support of NCHM: “I thank you all again for the kindness and generosity you have shown to me and especially my daughter. May God continue to bless you and your good works.”
With gratitude,
Lee E. Elmore
Executive Director
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