Look at What a "Little" Grant Money Can Do!

Published Feb 19, 2002

2,404 Posts

I found this article on the discussion board. Now, It does not say it is for Parish Nursing.. but ... it could be doable for that... I tell you... look for grant money and find your nitch... the article also sounds like it is a nurse managed clinic.... :) way cool!

URL: http://www.myinky.com/ecp/local_news/article/0,1626,ECP_745_982505,00.html

A growing mission

AIDS/HIV services agency has new intervention clinic

By JUDY JENKINS, Gleaner staff

The building is small but its purpose is large.

Only about the size of the typical two-car garage, the new Matthew 25 AIDS Services Early Intervention Clinic is "open for business" and expected to be a medical and morale boon for HIV/AIDS area residents.

Supporters anticipate that the clinic -- which began seeing patients Feb. 4 -- eventually will serve hundreds of individuals, prolong lives and, in some instances, save lives.

"It's pretty amazing what can be done with determination," said Matthew 25 Executive Director Cyndee Burton of the recently remodeled structure that has served as Matthew 25's headquarters since the non-profit agency was founded in 1996. Though the physical dimensions of the building haven't changed, it holds a vast array of services that previously were unavailable here or offered on a much more limited basis.

"We believe God has somehow made this place bigger," Burton said as she led a visitor on a tour of the facility that now houses a staff of six, an examination room, reception area and fully-equipped laboratory. Burton calls that latter space "our laboratory on the walls" as its components are on counters and shelves lining the two walls of a corridor.

It took many an hour with "pencil and graph paper" to plan the various sections, said Burton, who is also a registered nurse. "But we think it's turned out well and we have high hopes for it."

The fledgling clinic is an outgrowth of Matthew 25's original ecumenical program, which continues and provides emergency financial assistance to those with HIV/AIDS, support groups, volunteer services, free HIV testing and counseling, community HIV/AIDS education, and more.

There will be fees for the new clinical services, but they will be adjusted according to patient income and expenses, and no one will be denied because of inability to pay.

The clinic was made possible by a three-year federal Ryan White Title III Early Intervention Services grant whose amount is undisclosed but described as "substantial."

That funding, in addition to a $25,000 Robert Woods Johnson Foundation grant, last fall enabled Burton and the Matthew 25 Board of Directors to hire seven staff members, including: Board-certified nurse practitioner Dennis Myers who specializes in HIV/AIDS treatment; adherence specialist Brenda Kreiger, whose role is to educate patients to the critical need for receiving early treatment and following doctor's orders; nutrition specialist Tina Jones, who counsels patients on the importance of diet in treating HIV/AIDS, and medical social worker Juanita "Cookie" Sutton, who links indigent patients to various assistance programs and the federal Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS program.

Other staff members are: Ryan Nix, director of volunteer services; Judy Kennedy, office manager, and Mary Martin, receptionist. Nix and Kennedy work out of a Center Street site provided by St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Owensboro infectious diseases specialist Dr. Khaled Juaja is serving as medical director, and will see patients at least twice each year. Burton said the physician will be on call "24 hours a day."

The Early Intervention Clinic is located in the city, but the address is not publicized due to privacy concerns. Those requesting services are asked to call 826-0200. Southwestern Indiana and Northwestern Kentucky residents may call the toll-free 877-428-1231.

Myers, who has served a residency with the University of Kentucky Infectious Disease Clinic, said the local facility will accommodate patients of all ages "throughout the life span," beginning in the fetal stage as pregnant women who feel they are at risk for HIV will be tested at their request.

Currently, Matthew 25 has about 50 HIV/AIDS patients enrolled in its various programs but that number is expected to grow as area residents become more familiar with the new services.

The agency's long-time clients have, Burton said, "watched this clinic evolve and they feel they're a real part of it."

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Matthew 25's Early Intervention Clinic will be open Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Thursdays from noon until 8 p.m.

February 12, 2002