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| By Lori O'Brien Correspondent SPRINGFIELD Sensing a calling to start a health clinic for the uninsured, three local nurses put their time and talents together to start the New Hope Community Health Clinic within the Evangelical Covenant Church. Beverly Premo, R.N., B.S.N., Linda Mumblo, R.N., B.S.N., and Denise Hackett, R.N., B.S.N., brought different nursing perspectives to the clinic but one underlying goal was that "using their gifts in the clinic would be one way to manifest their Christian faith, serving God and their neighbor," according to Premo, who recently spoke with Reminder Publications. "The clinic evolved from the realization that there were thousands of people in the area without health insurance," said Premo, who credits her co-director Linda Mumblo with spearheading the program. Premo added her background in nursing education at Springfield Technical Community College, combined with Mumblo as a unit manager at Baystate Medical Center and Hackett as a school nurse, provides a unique perspective and expertise to the running of the clinic which opened in February of 2005. The clinic is also staffed by Xiao Liu, M.D., who serves as medical adviser, and David Ling, M.D. Both physicians are employed by Baystate Health System and are part of the Chinese congregation who meet at the church, said Premo. Clinic visits are free; however, donations are accepted. Premo added that the clinic receives discounted rates for patients with a dentist, ophthalmologist and some services offered by Baystate Health System. Since the clinic is awaiting a 501(c)3 status, donations and a start-up grant from the Covenant Benevolent Society support the facility, according to Premo. Premo said the clinic serves approximately 300 people a year, which encompasses mostly adults. "We try to address physical, psychological and spiritual needs of our patients," she added. Future plans include a free-standing clinic that could be open more than one evening a week, said Premo. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are accepted as the schedule allows on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Current services offered for individuals underinsured or uninsured include physical exams, health screenings, lab work and treatment of minor illnesses, as well as vaccines for adults, according to Premo. The clinic is located within the church at 915 Plumtree Road. For more information or to make an appointment, call 782-5219. Voice messages are checked routinely and all calls are returned. |