Orrville community and Viola Startzman Free Clinic form a mutual partnership

  • By Rebekah Shipper
  • February 15, 2010
  • 582
                        
Since its conception in 1995, the Viola Startzman Free Clinic (VSFC) has continued to grow in both scope and size as it continues to serve the uninsured of Wayne County. In 2009, the VSFC saw a 15.5 percent increase in annual patient visits. While a majority of patients are from the Wooster area, an increasing number of patients are from the greater Orrville area (Orrville, Dalton and Marshalville). In 2009, 22 percent of the VSFC’s total patients were from the Orrville area, and, per capita, roughly the same percentage of Orrville residents use the VSFC’s services as do Wooster residents. Rod Steiger, president and CEO of Dunlap Community Hospital, serves as a member of the VSFC board of trustees. “The VSFC has grown to become a necessary source of help for a continually larger segment of our community,” Steiger said. “It is humbling and a blessing to be a part of an organization like VSFC. Being part of the board of trustees brings into clear focus the great needs within our community.” One such member of the Orrville community is Rebecca Snowden. Two years ago, after being admitted to the hospital for a seizure (her first, at age 56), Snowden found herself in a situation where she was unable to pay for the expensive prescription medication she needed. One of Snowden’s nurses suggested that she contact the VSFC. Several days later, Snowden came to a walk-in clinic at the VSFC. “They were so wonderful,” Snowden said. “They helped me get the blood work, testing, and medication, everything that I needed. They sent me to a neurologist for testing to find out that my seizures were a result of epilepsy.” Snowden realizes that there are many others in her situation. “I know that there are a lot of people in Orrville who can’t afford insurance. They are like me; they make too much for Medicaid, but not enough to pay for their own medical bills. I just make enough to take care of my adopted son, but not for medical expenses. “I’m sure there are a lot of people in Orrville who don’t realize the VSFC is here for them. I’ve told people about the clinic. I’ve said that they (the VSFC) are willing to help you get whatever you need.” Karen Cottrell, another Orrville resident who came to the VSFC in 2001 because of bronchitis, echoed Snowden’s sentiments. “When I first came to the clinic, I found out that I had high blood pressure. They got me the meds I needed and now it has been in control ever since.” Much like Snowden, Cottrell came to the VSFC because she and her husband were just making enough to care for the everyday expenses of life. “I don’t know what I would have done without the clinic. I was self-employed with no insurance.” When asked if she minded driving into Wooster to receive her care, Cottrell replied that she was “very satisfied” and had no complaints about the clinic’s location. “It isn’t very far, especially when you consider how much they do for you. Plus, I can always do other things when I’m in town. ... I can always find something to do.” Cottrell also noted that the VSFC is considerate of the patients who work or have to drive from other towns. “I like how they’ve changed the time for sign-in to be more accommodating to those of us who aren’t in town,” said Cottrell. “I’ve told so many people that this is a great place; I can’t say enough about it; we get the best service.” The partnership between Orrville, the VSFC, and all of Wayne County, is truly two-fold. While the VSFC exists to serve the uninsured of all of Wayne County, the VSFC also acknowledges that the work they do could not be accomplished without the support of Wayne County. “Through serving on the board of trustees,” Steiger said, “I’ve seen the sincere caring of our community firsthand. It takes many different talents and career skills to help shape VSFC into the best resource possible; and it takes an entire community to support those efforts and fulfill the needs of so many. This community has provided the support necessary for the growth and success of this clinic.”


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