We Take Care of People
From Robert Adams, D.O., senior associate dean for clinical affairs/chief medical officer of the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Recently, I've toured several of the JPS Community Medicine sites. As you know, starting October 1 UNTHSC will be responsible for providing patient services at these locations.
I was quite impressed by what I found at these clinics. I was also impressed by the dedication of the people who work in these clinics providing these services. Many of the clinics are at locations that combine other services important to the patients, such as WIC, MHMR, pharmacy services and dental services. Truly, they have been developed as centers that serve the communities where they're located. Without this infrastructure of services, many people would be unable to obtain the medical services they need. Many of these services provide their patients the bare necessities that allow them a tolerable life.
Of particular note was the Community Health Partnership Center on East Lancaster that is supported by a variety of agencies, including the Salvation Army.
In addition to the services mentioned above, this center also provides housing for women and children and an on-site detox program.
JPS is involved in more than 25 community and school-based clinics in Tarrant County. Our Community Medicine Division of Family Medicine will be an integral part of the delivery of services to this network and the patients that it serves.
The day after I finished touring these community clinics, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast.
As the aftermath of New Orleans unfolded, it provided greater insight into the importance a community infrastructure of services is to the people who rely on those services. Many of these peoples' lives depend on these services, and without them, we witnessed the chaos that quickly developed.
While this catastrophe was of a magnitude that overwhelmed every system available, it still provides an understanding of the fragile existence that many people live with in all communities and the important needs that are served by community services, like the ones we're now involved in.
The reality of the desperate situation that developed for the people along the Gulf Coast was emphasized as Fort Worth began receiving many of them into temporary shelters over Labor Day weekend.
People throughout Fort Worth responded to volunteer their assistance.
UNTHSC established a medical triage area at Will Rogers Coliseum and provided support around the clock to provide for the people in need.
I want to thank everyone who participated in this response.
We have heard from the health departments that our triage area was the most organized and best staffed center in the city.
We have continued to provide medical services for our "guests" from New Orleans.
We have staffed a nurse triage table for the past two weeks and provided
shuttles to our clinics for medical services.
Our Family Medicine and General Medicine clinics have opened additional clinics to help provide medical care.
The willingness of people to provide their time, and the genuine spirit of giving by all who volunteered has been extraordinary.
Again, thanks to all who have been so willing to work.
I thought it was important to share these thoughts on my last three weeks because, to me, it illustrates the importance of what we do.
We take care of people. People whose lives can be better because of what we are able to provide them and our community.
Thanks to all of you for making the Health Science Center such a great place to be a part of, and such a valuable resource to Fort Worth.