Patton Twp. nonprofit clinic chosen as final gem

Chris Rosenblum

Editor’s note: Last of seven Hidden Treasures chosen by CDT readers

Affordable health care remains a hot topic these days as remedies for an ailing system are debated.

At Centre Volunteers in Medicine, the issue is nothing new. Its doctors, dentists, nurses, social workers and pharmacy technicians have been treating the problem for years.

Thanks to their pro bono services, thousands of uninsured Centre County

SEVEN HIDDEN TREASURES

• Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park in Millheim

• Black Moshannon State Park

•H.O. Smith Botanical Gardens

• Big Spring

• Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks

• Sayers Lake • Centre Volunteers

residents receive free primary medical care from the nonprofit clinic in Patton Township. For those with no other recourse for pain and illness, it’s huge, a literal lifesaver.

But to the fortunate majority who never need it, the clinic probably occupies a lower profile, making it a true hidden treasure of Centre County.

Here’s more about this local jewel.

Helping hands:Since 2001, CVIM has provided preventative and primary care appointments, prescription medications, diagnostic tests and referrals to specialists. It also offers primary dental care, though waiting lists are possible.

Moreover, the clinic advises patients about available social services, and public and low-cost insurance programs. It does not handle surgery, prenatal care or emergency treatment.

Bills or pills:Many of the clinic’s patients, among the 47 million uninsured Americans, belong to the working poor. Their jobs lack benefits or the coverage is too expensive. In either case, they can’t afford private plans.

CVIM estimates that 11,000 county residents choose between living expenses and needed care, often delaying treatment for potentially-fatal conditions such as diabetes. To qualify for care, patients must have an annual household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, the current guideline is $22,050.

The doctor is in:Last year, the clinic received more than 9,000 patient visits. A total of 1,102 patients went for medical care, 970 for dental care and 592 for social services.

Running for health:Local runners formed the Centre Volunteers in Medicine Boston Marathon Challenge Team in 2003 to raise money for the clinic by competing in the famous race. In 2008, the team generated $70,000.

Healthy pride:“I’ve been volunteering there since 2003. I can say, without a doubt, that this is the best that Centre County has to offer ... I’m not a person who brags, but I always feel like I’m showing off when I tell people I’m a CVIM volunteer,” Helen Dempsey, of State College, said.

See for yourself:CVIM will hold open houses from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday and Dec. 13. The public is invited to tour its offices at 2520 Green Tech Drive in Patton Township and speak with former patients and staff about local health care.

A second opinion:“Until we get universal health care, this place is a godsend for the uninsured,” Bill van den Berg, of Howard, said.

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