Our fifth and final Kearney nonprofit finalist in the 100 Year, $100k Office Makeover Contest is HelpCare Clinic. Since beginning three yHelpCare clinic seeks to improve the health and wellbeing of uninsured patients in Buffalo and Kearney counties via medical and behavioral health care. Answers provided by Cheryl Bressington, Executive Director of HelpCare Clinic.
To vote for the Kearney winner of the office makeover contest, click here!
Q: Why do you need an office makeover?
A: HelpCare Clinic opened it’s doors three years ago. Much of the office furniture and equipment was used items donated to get the clinic going. Now some of the furniture is falling apart. Two of the office chairs will no longer stay at the level you set them. They “crash” when you least expect it and you are almost on the floor. The big copier we use the most, will no longer feed papers through the feeder so that you can feed multiple pages at once. And exam room chairs aren’t large enough.
Q: How do you devote ethical business practices to fulfilling your mission?
A: As a non-profit with a medical mission, we are very aware of the importance of ethics. We have annual audits and we have put policies in place to help ensure that we remain true to our mission and ethical practices.
Q: What are some positive examples of your influence on the community?
A: Because HelpCare Clinic exists, individuals have a place to go when they are uninsured and earning less than $50,200 for a family of four. Without the clinic, these individuals would have to seek care at the emergency room in order to be seen as regular clinics do not have to see individuals who are not insured and cannot pay. We have provided over 3,000 visits since opening!
Q: Please demonstrate your leadership.
A: HelpCare Clinic works with the other agencies in town to provide care but also finds providers who are willing to provide services beyond what the clinic can do either for free or at reduced costs. In addition, HelpCare has an active role in the national association for free clinics and is looked to for training and guidance.