Lions learn about the Viola Startzman Free Clinic
The Orrville Lions Club met on Tuesday, August 23, in the community room of Dunlap Community Hospital. In club news, the Rib Burn-off August 12 and 13 was a great success for its second year. Members were asked for suggestions to make next year even better. Tammy Cruise agreed to be the newsletter editor for the year. The club planned a tree planting between the elementary and middle school August 30, at 7 p.m. The OARDC will donate the trees.
Connie Benchoff, the community relationships coordinator of the Viola Startzman Free Clinic (VSFC), was the club’s guest speaker. Her PowerPoint presentation focused on who is served and what services are provided by the clinic. Wayne County residents that are 200 percent of the poverty level, with no access to insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, qualify for free services. Benchoff stated that “15.8 percent of people in Wayne County do not have health insurance. Three out of seven people choose between health care and food, rent, or utilities. In Ohio, 39.4 percent of adults do not have dental coverage.”
The VSFC provides medical care, medicine, dental care, mental health support, and more. The majority of the providers are volunteers, and the need is great. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the clinic,” said Benchoff. “We receive no federal dollars. For every dollar received, we are able to provide $5 in services.” If you can spread the word, volunteer your time, or make a gift, contact the VSFC at 330-262-2500.
The next Orrville Lions Club meeting will be Sept. 13, at 7:45 a.m., in Dunlap’s community room. Robert Gandee will be speaking about the Tri County Senior Olympics. The public is always welcome.
Connie Benchoff, the community relationships coordinator of the Viola Startzman Free Clinic (VSFC), was the club’s guest speaker. Her PowerPoint presentation focused on who is served and what services are provided by the clinic. Wayne County residents that are 200 percent of the poverty level, with no access to insurance, Medicare or Medicaid, qualify for free services. Benchoff stated that “15.8 percent of people in Wayne County do not have health insurance. Three out of seven people choose between health care and food, rent, or utilities. In Ohio, 39.4 percent of adults do not have dental coverage.”
The VSFC provides medical care, medicine, dental care, mental health support, and more. The majority of the providers are volunteers, and the need is great. “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the clinic,” said Benchoff. “We receive no federal dollars. For every dollar received, we are able to provide $5 in services.” If you can spread the word, volunteer your time, or make a gift, contact the VSFC at 330-262-2500.
The next Orrville Lions Club meeting will be Sept. 13, at 7:45 a.m., in Dunlap’s community room. Robert Gandee will be speaking about the Tri County Senior Olympics. The public is always welcome.
Published: August 31, 2011
