News Release

For immediate release
December 12, 2008

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Helping Hands Medical Clinic Receives Grant

Marion, SC--Helping Hands Medical Clinic, a free clinic operated under the direction of Marion Regional Healthcare System, has received a grant totaling $102,000 from the BlueCross BlueShield Foundation of South Carolina. 

“This grant represents a tremendous opportunity for Helping Hands Medical Clinic to continue to reach out and help those in need,” said Director and Mullins Nursing Center Administrator, Tonya Martin, R.N., LNHA.

The substantial sum provided to Helping Hands, one of 38 free medical clinics throughout South Carolina, is a facet of a much larger statewide initiative being conducted by Blue Cross Blue Shield which is presenting healthcare-related grants throughout the Palmetto State.

Helping Hands Medical Clinic, established in 2003, was the dream of Marion County Medical Center physician, Dr. Paramand Dawani, whose desire was to help those who could not afford healthcare, due to the lack of insurance and/or the lack funds, by providing free, basic medical care to Marion County residents ages 18-64.

“The necessity of a Clinic such as ours is made all the more obvious when you take into account the fact that one-in-five South Carolinians are uninsured,” said Martin.  Last year alone, our number of patient visits increased by nearly 25%. With growing unemployment and increased economic challenges, we can expect that number to continue to grow,” she continued.

Supported on an on-going basis by Marion Regional Healthcare System, along with donations from local businesses, churches, civic groups, and individuals, the Clinic relies on both benefactors and partner agencies. One such partner is Welvista, who assists the Clinic by helping patients obtain necessary non-narcotic medication. (Helping Hands Medical Clinic does not prescribe narcotic medications.)

“At Marion Regional Healthcare System, we’re committed to caring for our entire community.  The free Helping Hands Medical Clinic, plays a major role in ensuring that those without insurance do not go without proper medical care,” said Gene Tucker, the Hospital’s President and CEO.

Located in the Mullins Nursing Center building, and utilizing the ‘old’ emergency room of the former Mullins Hospital, the Clinic is open Tuesdays from 2:00  p.m. to 6:00  p.m.; and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Helping Hands Free Medical Clinic is not a “walk-in” clinic.  Patients must complete an eligibility assessment prior to receiving services. To qualify, patients must:

•be 18 years of age or older
•not receiving Medicaid or Medicare
•not be able to afford private insurance
•meet established income guidelines
•provide picture identification and Social Security Card
•furnish proof of all household income
•be a resident of Marion County

In addition to providing basic medical assistance, Helping Hands Free Medical Clinic provides patient education on current medical condition(s) and provides referrals to other medical professionals as needed.

For more information call 843-464-0938 or visit them on line at http://www.marioncountymedical.com/mrhs/HelpingHands.html.