We Care Foundation of Indian River volunteers and staff cut the ribbon last Friday afternoon at a brand-new We Care Clinic, located in a wing of the Gifford Health Center. The first of its kind in Indian River County, the clinic will enable the expansion of the We Care Program’s free physician services, which are provided by more than 130 volunteer physicians and other medical professionals to qualified patients in need.
The IRC Health Department offered the former office space which has been completely renovated to provide space for a waiting room, four exam rooms, and offices for a nurse coordinator and a physician. They’re actively recruiting a full-time physician, to be funded by the Hospital District, who will augment the care provided by volunteers.
“The purpose of a full-time doctor is so that patients discharged from the hospital will have a place to go. Otherwise they’re at risk of not doing well and relapsing. That’s the one missing part of the puzzle,” said Dr. Dennis Saver. He is credited with forming the We Care Program in 1991 through a partnership with the Health Department to treat local residents who cannot afford medical insurance, yet are ineligible for Medicaid.
“It’s really exciting to see that after two years of raising money it’s now coming to fruition,” said Dr. Saver. “The Impact 100 grant put us over the top. A lot of hands came together to make this possible.”
In addition to the $100,000 Impact 100 grant, Tony Donadio offered his architectural services gratis; Phil Barth provided the construction at cost, and Dick and Diana Stark, through the Leonhardt Foundation, delivered a grant for the furnishings.
“I understand they’ve really been working night and day to get this place ready; it’s wonderful,” said Judy Balph, one of many supporters who came out to tour the new facility.
“Dr. Saver is one of those people who is a visionary,” said Shelley Stuven, We Care Foundation executive director, introducing him at the start of the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “He has a heart for patients that need help but cannot afford it.”
“This is not a cake that has been baked by my hand,” said Saver modestly, before giving a brief history of the We Care Program, which now provides more than $1 million in donated medical services each year. “The We Care Program only runs because of the good hearts of the volunteers and the support of the community.”
The nonprofit We Care Foundation, created in 2012, raises money through fundraisers such as its annual Mardi Gras Celebration to offset the cost of clinic supplies and expenses as after-care wound dressing, cataract lenses, emergency prescription assistance, and transportation for medical appointments.