HCHC Saved Taxpayers Over $200,000 in 2011!
When HCHC medical director, Dr. Ron Sell, rescued an uninsured woman from breast cancer he saved taxpayers over $200,000* in hospital and cancer treatments in 2011. It costs, at minimum, $400 to seek treatment at a hospital emergency room. If HCHC keeps 300 uninsured people who cannot pay for medical care from going to the emergency room, that saves taxpayers at least $120,000! There is a great fear among the poor that they will get sick and cannot pay for needed care. When the poor delay obtaining health care, the cost and scope of needed health care services increases and these costs are passed on to taxpayers. HCHC provides access to preventative care for the uninsured, and in doing so saves taxpayers’ money!
HCHC needs your help to continue to provide these necessary preventative medical services for the uninsured. Donating to HCHC your Arizona Tax Credit for the Working Poor helps low income families while reducing your state income tax. This law provides a credit for contributions made to certain qualified charities that provide help to the working poor, like HCHC. An income tax credit returns the donated amount dollar for dollar to your pocket. So, if you have already paid income taxes this year to Arizona and itemize your state return, you could receive these credits back as a refund. The maximum donation available, per year, for the Working Poor Tax Credit is $400 for a married couple filing jointly, or $200 for a single person filing individually.
*2010 figure for hospital stay, oncology, and radiology breast cancer treatments from Chandler Regional Medical Center’s Community Mammography Services.
Dr. Sell Wins Award for Saving a Life!
Hope Community Health Center is grateful for its Medical Director, Dr. Ron Sell. Dr. Sell won a Humanitarian award from the Desert Cancer Foundation on October 27. In June 2011, Anna, a 53 year old Hispanic woman, came to HCHC complaining of breast pain. Dr. Sell completed a breast exam and noticed a dense mass in her left breast. In July he ordered a free screening mammogram for Anna. The mammogram confirmed the mass in Anna’s left breast, so in August Dr. Sell ordered a free breast biopsy. The biopsy revealed a cancerous, 6 mm sized, grade 3 breast tumor, the most aggressive type of breast cancer. Quick action was needed or the cancer would spread. Dr. Sell contacted the Desert Cancer Foundation and within three weeks the surgery was scheduled. The surgery revealed the cancer had not spread and the tumor was removed. Anna’s life was saved! Her son said appreciatively, “Thank you for saving my mom’s life!”
“Dr. Sell extends himself for the best of the patient,” praised David Engel, President of HCHC, “It takes hours of work to find a referral for a patient who does not have health insurance. Dr. Sell finds the referrals himself and most doctors do not see patients without insurance. The sacrifice of time by Dr. Sell, as a volunteer, is incredible alone. He selflessly uses his expert medical skills to care for others. He deeply cares about the patient’s needs, and he deservedly was recognized for his humanitarian work!”
Unlimited Matching Grant Until June 1
Hope Community Health Center is grateful for a local foundation’s incredible gift, an unlimited matching grant. The foundation responded to HCHC’s desire to add dental services. The foundation will double any donation HCHC receives until June 1, 2011. The generosity of the foundation’s gift is unprecedented for HCHC. As President David Engel says, “We are overwhelmed by this act of unparalleled generosity. We are humbled by its immensity, and grateful for the foundation’s continued desire to help HCHC provide services to Chandler area residents.”
This is an opportunity HCHC desires to maximize, but we cannot do it alone. We ask for you to consider helping maximize this grant by donating to HCHC before June 1st. “Any amount will help,” said Engel, “Whatever is received, whether it is $5, $500, $5,000 or $50,000; is doubled. So every donation is significant.”
One easy way that does not cost you anything is to donate your 2011 Tax Credit for the Working Poor to HCHC before June 1, 2011.
Arizona Working Poor Charitable Tax Credit: An income tax credit returns the donated amount dollar for dollar to your pocket. So, if you have already paid income taxes this year to Arizona and itemize your state return, you could receive these credits back as a refund. This tax credit helps low income children, teens, and families while reducing your state income tax. This law provides a credit for contributions made to certain qualified charities that provide help to the working poor. The maximum donation per year available for the credit is $400 for a married couple filing jointly, or $200 for a single person filing individually. Families pay an extra $1,017 a year for the medical care of the uninsured. You have already paid more for other people’s health care. Use Arizona’s tax credits to redirect your money!
The tax credit for the working poor neither competes nor restricts individuals from fully utilizing other Arizona tax credits. Basically the state designates noncompeting pools of money for different uses. “So people can donate their working poor tax credit to HCHC and still fully donate to schools to make use of the school tax credits,” Engel explained.
Three things of beauty happen when you donate your tax credit to HCHC. First, you can get a credit on your 2011 Arizona tax return, so you are reducing your state income tax. Second, you can deduct the amount you donate to HCHC on your 2011 federal tax return because HCHC is a federally recognized 501(c) 3 nonprofit entity. Third, the amount you donate before June 1, 2011 is matched by the foundation. So if a single donates their $200 tax credit to HCHC before June 1, HCHC actually receives $400. If a couple donates their $400 tax credit to HCHC before June 1, HCHC receives $800. “If HCHC receives working poor tax credits, then both the donor and HCHC benefit,” cited Engel.
The foundation leadership responded to HCHC’s desire to purchase the $56,000 in dental equipment needed to set up the dental wing. Many other foundations have lowered the donations they are making to nonprofit entities. “That is what is so amazing about this generous gift to HCHC. In spite of what has occurred in the economy the foundation is able and willing to provide this matching grant. It demonstrates true sacrificial giving and testifies about the outstanding character of the foundation’s leadership!” exclaimed Engel.
HCHC requests that you carefully consider what sacrificial donation you could make to help HCHC maximize the matching grant to provide needed dental services to the uninsured in our community. “The dental needs in the community are immense,” Engel said, “One of our doctors recently participated in a community event in Queen Creek. She said the line for free dental services was longer than for medical services.” This proves how many people need dental help. So every donation received before June 1 is significant to help provide dental services here at HCHC.
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New Faces at HCHC and Some Changes
Changes are always expected when you are in any kind of organization. Organizations have to pursue new ways forward when confronted with changes. HCHC is no exception.
In April, two doctors left HCHC. Both will be missed. Dr. Mary Lynass left for personal reasons. And the one that influenced HCHC the most was Dr. Ann Engel. Dr. Engel stepped down as the medical director of HCHC for personal reasons as well. Dr. Engel was an instrumental part in the development and success of HCHC for many years. “Her presence will be greatly missed,” said President David Engel, “Our clients and staff love her.” Dr. Engel was honored with a plaque and potluck for her years of service at HCHC.
In light of the losses, two other physicians came aboard at HCHC. Taking on the new role in April, Dr. Ron Sell is HCHC’s new medical director. Dr. Sell is a board certified Family Practice physician and co-owns a private practice, East Valley Family Physicians. Dr. Sell has volunteered for years with Mission of Mercy, which has a mobile clinic that provides medical care throughout the Valley for the uninsured. “Dr. Sell is a tremendous doctor and has great experience with treating the uninsured. He truly cares about our patients’ well being. We are glad to have him! We look forward to his dynamic leadership and vision to move HCHC forward as the new medical director,” stated David Engel.
Another Family Practice physician also joined HCHC in April. Dr. Steven Burns is a heralded board certified physician from Tempe. Dr. Burns recently transformed his private practice so he could volunteer in medical outreach to the less fortunate. “Dr. Burns has made a huge sacrifice to change his practice so he can pursue his desire to help the poor. I know him personally and know what an outstanding person and physician he is,” proclaimed Engel, “I’m elated he is joining our clinic!”
With Dr. Sell and Dr. Burns both having private practices HCHC is changing its hours of operation to accommodate their schedules. HCHC is moving its hours from Wednesdays to Saturdays from 8am-12pm. The move will not effect the amount of patients HCHC sees. The doctors are scheduling patient exams every 15 minutes instead of every 30 minutes. “Our patient load has not changed, it’s just exams occur quicker” declared Engel.
Because of the change in hours, HCHC is having to rework the partnership with Health Care Connect. Health Care Connect is a entity that HCHC has partnered with to provide patients access to specialists who will accept our cash paying patients. A Health Care Connect employee was always present at HCHC on Wednesdays to provide patients enrollment help into different medical programs. Health Care Connect is training a new person for that job and seeing if they can come to HCHC on Saturdays.
Additionally, HCHC has hired an architect to develop the dental operatories for our dentistry outreach. Colin Slais owns an architectural firm in Scottsdale that has designed several private dental offices throughout Phoenix. “Colin came with outstanding references and I’ve been impressed. He’s on time and completes the needed follow-up to keep the project moving. I know now why he has received such high regard from dentists throughout the area,” Engel acknowledged.
Along with Colin Slais, HCHC is working with Henry Schein Dental equipment experts, J R Jimenez and Ed Keiser. “I’ve known Ed for quite some time from local ministry events we attended,” said Engel, “J R is a new contact, but I like what he brings to the table. He’s open about concerns he has and works to resolve equipment and architectural issues that may effect the work.”
HCHC is working with Henry Schein, an internationally known medical and dental supply company, to utilize some community outreach programs that Schein provides. Schein’s programs may help HCHC obtain refurbished or discounted equipment. Engel responded, “If we can save thousands of dollars in equipment purchases, that saved money will go to direct patient care. We have to stretch every dollar we have to get the most out of it to serve as many patients as we can. If Schein’s programs can help us do that, then it is my duty, as President of HCHC, to ask.”
Dentist Kris Putrassahan is also involved in the dental architect and equipment discussions. Dr. Putrassahan provides the needed professional acumen on dental services HCHC will provide. Engel said, “I’ve known Kris since my days with the Christian Medical and Dental Association. He has completed several trips overseas to volunteer. He has great integrity and I look forward to his continued leadership in our dental start-up.”
One last change is HCHC’s Board of Directors named Jim Oatman to be the Board Chairman. HCHC’s board of directors consists of five other members: Jim Mouer, MD, Mary Vojtko, Anne Wendt, Corey Schimmel, and David Engel. “Jim is of impeccable character and an incredibly wise and godly man. He has tremendous leadership skills and is all the while humble. He has been on Capitol Hill in discussions regarding the health care reform issues. He helps lead Blue Cross and Blue Shield in California. We are truly blessed to have Jim leading our board. I know I lean on his expertise and wisdom regularly,” praised Engel.
Change is always occurring and HCHC has no exemption.
2010 Health Fair a Grand Success
Hope Community Health Center (HCHC), Sí Se Puede, and Chandler Gilbert Community College (CGCC) collaborated to create a community health fair on Saturday, April 24, 2010. The event was hosted on the beautiful Chandler Gilbert Community College campus.
Over 185 people attended the health fair and HCHC offered many different displays, activities, and screening for participants. One outstanding screening that HCHC offered to its existing diabetic patients was free diabetic retinopathy eye exams with HCHC partner, Arizona Foundation for Eye Health. The Arizona Foundation for Eye Health utilized its exquisite mobile eye center, “AZSightSaver,” to complete the retinopathy exams. The retinopathy exams checked the patient’s retinas to determine if their diabetes had damaged their vision. Not only did HCHC utilize the “AZSightSaver” mobile, but it also borrowed the Lions Club’s eye evaluation machines to screen additional fair patrons for visual problems. People who were not able to pass the eye screening were referred to optometrists for a complete eye evaluation. Other facets HCHC provided were Spanish and English educational materials on a variety of health related topics, and a self breast exam class taught by one of HCHC’s volunteers. Several members from First Baptist Church of Tempe volunteered for the event and helped HCHC set up and staff the booths.
Sí Se Puede provided music and entertainment for the event. The Sí Se Puede Folklorio dancers performed traditional Mexican dances in their colorful and beautiful costumes. The dancers did an outstanding job and brought smiles to the fair patrons.
Chandler Gilbert Community College not only provided the facility to host the event, but the school’s students also got involved. Thirty nursing students from the CGCC school of nursing prepared and gave community health information to fair patrons. The students created colorful and informative display boards on a variety of health topics. The college soccer teams were also involved by offering a free soccer clinic for children at the fair. The promotion of good health through exercise not only brought some sweat, but also fun. The students did a tremendous job.
Additional organizations were present at the event. The Rotary Club presented its focus to eradicate polio around the world. Chandler Regional Medical Center’s children’s dental clinic provided fluoridation for children at the fair and handed out dental supplies to attendees. HealthCare Connect, an alternative organization that gives the uninsured access to medical specialists at Medicare rates, helped enroll people in their program or in the state’s medical insurance plan.
Dr. Ann Engel Honored
In May 2009 Dr. Ann Engel was listed as an outstanding Family Practice physician by her medical peers in Phoenix as reported by Best Doctors. Best Doctors is an independent impartial organization that polls physicians who they would prefer to have their family members see when needing medical treatment. This honor identifies that other physicians believe Dr Engel at HCHC is one of the most skilled in her field. Only 5% of all doctors in the United States are ever included on this list! Congratulations, Dr. Engel!
Health Fair of Hope
On April 25, 2009, HCHC completed a Health Fair of Hope. The health fair focused on caring for the many needs of the uninsured. HCHC provided breast exam screenings for its partner, Chandler Regional Medical Center (CRMC), which was a Susan G. Komen breast cancer treatment grant recipient. If women were identified as needing a mammogram and fit certain economic qualifications, then CRMC, through the Komen grant, would pay for the mammogram and provide subsequent treatment. Healthcare Connect, which is a group that provides low cost access to medical specialists for people 100% below poverty level and who cannot obtain health insurance, determined if the women financially qualified for the free mammograms. Healthcare Connect received 28 applications that day for their services. The fair also had information on how to obtain health insurance for those who did not qualify for Healthcare Connect or Arizona’s Medicaid programs. HealthMarkets Insurance hosted a table to explain other low cost medical insurance options for clients.
Breast screenings were not the only screenings going on at the fair, HCHC completed blood pressure readings for fair goers. Beltone Hearing Clinic provided 8 free hearing tests for fair patrons. Plus, the Phoenix Lion’s Club provided eye examination machines for free eye evaluations.
There were a variety of other services that the Health Fair of Hope provided. There was information about discount dental care and Anasazi Family Dental hosted a table to answer questions. St. Matthew’s Food Bank handed out information about obtaining low cost food boxes. Information regarding counseling resources on sliding fee scales, diabetes education, and discount pharmacy programs were also available.
The favorite thing the fair goers enjoyed most was the free door prizes. HCHC is thankful for the 16 businesses near the clinic that donated items or services for the health fair. It was wonderful for the patrons and a great day to showcase HCHC’s loving care for the community.
HCHC Anniversary Celebration
On October 25, 2008, HCHC celebrated its first anniversary! The warm afternoon outdoor celebration included wonderful fresh fruit trays, vegetable trays, and various drink selections. Marie Callendar’s donated some delectable pies for the celebration to compliment the appetizing selections. Attendees were treated to the smooth musical selections of guitarist, Jay Farris, as they lounged around tables and conversed with Dr. Ann Engel, Medical Director, and Rev. David Engel, President, of the clinic.
Attendees explored the clinic and were treated to a ministry highlight presentation about the clinic. Outstanding volunteer stories and experiences were posted throughout the clinic for people to read. Also, several of HCHC’s clients were available to talk to guests about the loving and professional medical treatment they receive as patients at HCHC.
One of the noted attendees was the Arizona Cardinals’ Charities Director, Pat Tankersley. The highlight of the event was when HCHC received a ceremonial check from Ms. Tankersley for the $2,500 grant the clinic received from the Cardinals for 2008.
The event capped the incredible success HCHC enjoyed in its first year. It excited attendees about what success and positive community impact the clinic will produce in the following years.
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