City OKs $10,000 contract

FLORENCE - As many have learned recently amid financial trouble, sickness and tooth pain don't wait for you to collect your paycheck. Nor is health insurance synonymous with employment.

But an area nonprofit group continues to serve as a safety net for those facing that conundrum. On Tuesday, the Florence City Council approved a $10,000 contract, funded by federal money, that will help the group continue to provide service.

Northwest Alabama Community Health Association, at Handy Homes in West Florence, offers primary medical care for those who are employed but are without health insurance.

"A lot of people are forced to choose, 'Do I pay that utility bill or get that medication filled,' " said Christie Bevis, director of the group, citing concerns she encounters on a daily basis.

Not surprisingly, the revolving door of patients has increased as more workers struggle to maintain steady employment and the health insurance that comes with it.

They have 400 active patients and conduct 1,200 patient visits a year, Bevis said.

In the past, Bevis said they generally cut people off more than six months removed from a job. But they now offer help to those beyond that timetable, with so many continuing to collect unemployment benefits past six months.

Those interested should bring a copy of a paycheck, income tax return or any other form to prove employment status. The group also provides care to enrolled students with identification cards.

Partnering with the University of North Alabama nursing department, the group offers medical care every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a service charge of $15.

Bevis said they most often deal with blood pressure and diabetic issues but also provide aid for colds and flu, among other ailments.

In addition, they offer dental help to the entire community - regardless of employment status - every Friday. It's only extraction work, however, which is $25 for the first tooth and $15 for each additional tooth.

"It's a great program," Mayor Bobby Irons said. "It reaches a lot of people who otherwise would not get those services."

Bevis said that money would be used to fund the practitioners between UNA's Christmas break and start of the spring term, a time during which they don't have the luxury of university-provided help.

They can't write a prescription for narcotics or handle surgeries. But they provide referrals, often at a reduced rate, she added.

With the uptick in patients, though, Bevis said some routine follow-up appointments are being delayed more than usual.

"We're not to the point where we have to turn anyone away," she said. "We hope that won't happen."

To schedule an appointment call 760-4713.

Brian Hughes can be reached at 740-5720 or brian.hughes@TimesDaily.com.