North Coast Health - 30 Years Of Caring Continues

North Coast Health Timeline 1986 - present- 30 years of caring continues!

‘Imagine struggling to get by, taking home enough in a paycheck to pay just the essentials such as food and clothes.What happens if a member of the family comes down with an illness and needs to see a doctor? How can you begin to pay the bill even for a minor illness?’

‘This is what a group of church members in Bay Village asked themselves. They also asked how that could be allowed to happen. How could they allow their neighbors to fall through the cracks of the vaunted safety net? Everyone deserves to be able to visit a physician when it’s necessary for attention to anything from a cold to a catastrophic illness. Unfortunately, there are many people who have a job that doesn’t pay any medical insurance benefits. And they make too much to qualify for coverage by government aid.”

‘Because a group of parishioners...were concerned for people in just such a situation, North Coast Health Ministry was formed.’

The Journal, Lorain Ohio – February 22, 1986

This quote was taken from one of the first articles written on behalf of North Coast Health (Ministry). As we reflect on who we are 30 years later – in many ways we remain the same. NCH’s belief remains steadfast – that health care is a basic human need and that inability to pay should never be a barrier to care for anyone. Primary medical care, health care education and prevention, behavioral health counseling, prescription assistance, specialty referral, application assistance- linking individuals to resources for which they qualify- and more are available to any one struggling with the costs of medical care services. North Coast Health remains a safety-net provider to individuals in need in our community. Including those with and without insurance, and those living in and outside of Lakewood; as we have no geographic boundaries

‘Our goal is not only to provide free medical care to our West Shore neighbors who need it, but to do it with dignity….one young lady said that she was treated as though she had paid for the service…This made us feel very good, because we are trying to treat people with dignity and with a lot of care.’

West Life, March 23, 1988

Dignity, respect, quality – all cornerstones of care provided at North Coast Health. In 2013, North Coast Health went through a vigorous application process to become a Patient Centered Medical Home, Level 3 as recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance – the highest level possible. This recognition ensures that not only are we providing quality care, we are committed to patient-centered, patient directed quality care. As shared on our most recent patient survey, this commitment is being recognized by the patients we serve:

  • 97% of NCH patients self-report being treated with dignity and respect.
  • 93% of NCH patients self-report ‘the medical care I receive is excellent.’
  • 98% of NCH patients self-report ‘I would recommend NCH to friends and family.’

 ‘Above all, this is a Christian organization living out the Christ’s commandment to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves.’ If you have a heart for the urban poor, struggling for a dignified existence, please consider your call to help. May God bless you by your decision.’

Russel Elmer, MD, North Coast Health’s founding physician (1988)

Today, our ministry remains the same.  We continue to provide care to those with and without insurance who cannot afford the health care they desperately need—serving those who would otherwise go without care. We welcome all people- men, women and adolescents over the age of 14. The past 30 years have been filled with many lives touched- and many dedicated individuals, corporations, foundations and volunteers supporting the operations of North Coast Health. The care we have provided to so many lives in Greater Cleveland--tens of thousands of lives-- makes a difference! 

On behalf of our patients, staff and all touched by North Coast Health - we thank you – for giving us the gift of 30 years of caring for our community!

To help celebrate–- please join us for our annual Celebration of Caring Gala on Sept 15th at the Global Center for Health Innovation from 6-9:30pm. Tickets can be purchased for $150 a ticket by calling 216.228.7878 ext. 122 or at http://northcoasthealth.org/event/celebration2016. Sponsorships are available.

About North Coast Health

North Coast Health is a faith-based charitable clinic that provides health care for the medically under-served. Every day, people come to North Coast Health because they have no other option for affordable care. As a Patient Centered Medical Home, Level 3, as designated by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, we provide individualized, comprehensive and coordinated medical care. Accepting new patients – Call for appointment 216.228.7878 www.northcoasthealth.org  

Let’s Be Friends! Like us on Facebook /ncoasthealth and Follow us on Twitter @Ncoasthealth.

 

Ellen Ospelt

Development Director, North Coast Health  

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Volume 12, Issue 18, Posted 4:10 PM, 08.30.2016