Jewish Community Free Clinic on Righteous Crowd this week!
Pre-pandemic photo of doctors who volunteer at the Jewish Community Free Clinic in Santa Rosa, California. This October the clinic provided more patient encounters than any month in the organization's nearly 20 year history.
JEWISH COMMUNITY FREE CLINIC
Ensuring Care for the Underserved
In this week's Torah portion, Toldot, the matriach Rebecca gives birth to Esau and Jacob. We think of the health and well-being of people during childbirth and inspired by Toldot, Righteous Crowd is supporting the Jewish Community Free Clinic in Santa Rosa, California. The volunteer health care providers take a holistic approach, are multilingual, compassionate, and provide quality services in a friendly, accessible environment for the entire family.
The Jewish Community Free Clinic shared their mission and updates with us.
What is the mission of the Jewish Community Free Clinic?
Drawing on Jewish traditions of Tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world) we offer free health care services to anyone in need, without regard to religion. We offer an atmosphere of respect, empowerment and partnership with our patients, and strive to assist them in attaining full health and well-being.
How has COVID-19 affected your work?
The Jewish Community Free Clinic (JCFC) has been able to face the most recent challenges with steadfast determination to be there for our uninsured clients. With all direct services provided by volunteer providers, nurses, and support staff, we are able to maximize community resources through the generosity of those giving their time and energy to our cause. Last March, when the shelter-in-place first began, we were able to convert our services to a telemedicine model. In June, it became necessary to provide some of our clients with in-person appointments, and we made the necessary clinical adjustments to accommodate people and still keep our staff and clients safe. We have evolved to a hybrid system with all services open and essential on-site programs delivered within CDC guidelines.
The JCFC is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking services, as the cost for personal protective equipment increases and additional staffing is needed to operate safely. Last month, the clinic provided more patient encounters than any month in our nearly 20 year history. We are seeing a steady stream of local school children in need of vaccines. By providing these services, we are helping to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. By providing physicals for employment, we assure that local workers get the screenings they need to get back to work and, in many cases, to move on to better jobs. When chronically ill clients receive laboratory tests, medications, and urgent referrals they benefit greatly. Our services are critical.
Additionally, what's been the impact of the California fires?
When fire struck our community again this year, it reinforced how low-income people suffer the most through these compounding disasters. We see patients who are unemployed, underemployed, disabled, single parents and essential workers who are disproportionately affected by the fires and pandemic. We are more committed than ever to ensuring care for EVERYONE in our community, regardless of income, religion, or immigration status. We are determined to marshal our resources to help our clients endure this crisis now and in the future.
To learn more about the Jewish Community Free Clinic, click here.