Touch of Grace celebrates 10 years

By CANDACE CHASE/Daily Inter Lake

The Salvation Army's Touch of Grace Health Clinic celebrates 10 years of providing free health care to the poor with a reception today for volunteers, donors and the public.

Scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m., the event takes place at Salvation Army headquarters at 110 Bountiful Drive near Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The staff plans to set up as if it were a service night.

"People can come in and see what the clinic looks like," said Capt. Laura Wycoff, coordinator of the program.

The gathering takes note of the many donations and volunteer hours contributed since Touch of Grace began serving the poor and homeless through the inspiration of founders Anne Messing and Mary Leach.

The clinic first opened in October 1998 with contributions from many health-care professionals including Kris Carlson, a registered nurse, Dr. Kyle Weber and Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Many other physicians also volunteer at the clinic or see people referred from Touch of Grace to their specialty.

"We probably have about 30 to 40 including the specialists," Wycoff said.

She said at least 50 nurses have contributed their time for free over the last 10 years. Nurses Mel Hankey, Carolyn Grisez, Lois Wagner and Gerianne Robins have put in many hours in recent years.

"Carolyn has been here from the beginning," Wycoff said.

She had no idea how many patients had passed through the doors during the 10 years but said that about 24 to 26 people make appointments for clinics held every other Tuesday beginning at 6 p.m.

Touch of Grace Health Clinic originally was open every Tuesday until about a year and a half ago. Service was cut back to every other Tuesday due to a shortage of physicians to cover the schedule.

Patients qualify for services if they cannot afford health care and have no other option such as insurance, Medicaid/Medicare, Children's Health Insurance Program or veterans' medical benefits.

Financial guidelines for care match government poverty guidelines.

According to Wycoff, numbers have decreased recently but generally demand for services rises in the winter. Many older people come for chronic conditions, but patients span all age groups.

"Newer patients are younger people," she said. "They usually are there for antibiotics."

Veterans also use the clinic while qualifying for the local Veterans Affairs clinic, a process that may take as long as six months. Some continue if they don't qualify due to their discharge status or other limiting circumstances.

Patients often express their appreciation.

"We hear a lot of stories," Wycoff said. "They say, 'If it wasn't for you, I couldn't get my medicine and I wouldn't be here now.'"

Along with seeing patients, each clinic has pharmacists who get medication off the shelf at night if in stock. Prescriptions are provided for certain pharmacies that offer low or below-cost generics such as those at Wal-Mart, Sykes', Albertsons, Smith's and ShopKo.

Other services include:

. Lab work and X-rays at Kalispell Regional Medical Center funded by a grant from the hospital.

. Physical therapy once a month.

. One-time referrals to specialists for free consultations at the specialists' own offices.

. Assistance with paperwork to apply to get medications from pharmaceutical companies for chronic conditions.

"Dr. Weber's wife comes in and does the paperwork," Wycoff said.

People need to call 257-4357 for an appointment before the night of a free clinic. Wycoff said patients may call beginning Nov. 12 for the Nov. 18 clinic.

With the downturn in the economy, Wycoff said the Salvation Army expects demand to increase for this and other services. She said more people are expected to apply for help from Christmas programs such as Adopt-a-Family, Toys and Joy, Angel tree and the kettles.

Nationally, the Salvation Army anticipates that kettle donations may decline. Wycoff, who also serves as assistant pastor and social services director, has faith that revenue will come.

"God has a plan," she said. "If we pray hard enough, we'll get what we need."

Faith has carried the Touch of Grace Health Clinic forward for 10 years. Wycoff said financial support comes from the thrift store, local churches and private donors.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com.