Free health service facility to open in downtown Westfield

Date: 1/14/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD If a free health service clinic has proven successful in East Longmeadow, why not Westfield? That was the question that Dianne Legalos asked herself 18 months ago, while working as a volunteer at Pioneer Valley Free Health Service.

On Jan. 14, her vision to establish a clinic in this city will become a reality when the Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc. officially opens its doors at 46 Main St. The location will provide basic medical services to those 18 years of age or older that are uninsured or underinsured.

"It's amazing how many people believe in this and [what's] even more incredible [is] how many people volunteered [to see this facility come to fruition]," Legalos said in an interview with Reminder Publications. "I just can't believe that we've gotten to this point that we're ready to open."

She noted that all of the medical and office equipment in the facility has been donated and the clinic will be staffed with volunteers from area hospitals, primarily Noble Hospital.

Dr. Frank Horrigan, vice president of Medical Affairs at Noble Hospital and medical coordinator for Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc., explained that the hospital will also be providing free X-rays and lab work for clinic patients.

"We are expecting to deal with a population of patients that have not been able to access the healthcare system," he said, adding that personnel will also aid patients in obtaining health insurance.

"Access to doctors are limited and people are going to the ER for their basic [health] care needs," Candy Oyler, chair of the Board of Directors of Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc., said. "I think our services will really help bridge the gap."

Kate Johnson, nursing coordinator and member of the organization's Board of Directors, explained that Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc. is also working toward creating a Pharmacy Access Program, which will allow patients access to generic medications at local pharmacies.

She added that donations are needed in order to jumpstart the program as well as help to maintain the clinic. Donations can be mailed to the Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc.'s Treasurer, Gene Giacometti, at 60 Court St., Westfield, MA 01085.

The facility will be open every other Wednesday, beginning Jan. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For more information about Greater Westfield Free Health Services Inc. or to volunteer, call 562-2040.