Inside Sinclair Health Clinic: Transforming Community Healthcare

The Valley Today

Our conversation today at Sinclair Health Clinic features Dr. Mercedes Abbet, the Director of Sinclair Health Clinic, and Jennifer Hall, Director of Community Engagement. The discussion provides an overview of the clinic's extensive history and services for the community.

Mercedes shares that Sinclair Health Clinic was founded in 1986 and offers primary care, prenatal care, women's health, and chronic care management for uninsured and Medicaid patients. They are open five days a week to address the continuing healthcare gap for those unable to access healthcare. Importantly, many might not know that the clinic has an onsite pharmacy providing affordable medications to both patients and the community.

She emphasizes the clinic's role in providing holistic services by detailing the support they offer beyond standard medical care, including case management and connection to external resources. The clinic's pharmacy does not accept insurance but offers generics at competitive prices, further extending its reach to those in need.

Mercedes highlights the efforts to accommodate a diverse community with bilingual staff to ease communication and build trust among patients, a large portion of whom are of Hispanic origin. The clinic's personalized approach ensures every patient receives attention tailored to their needs, making it a judgment-free zone.

Patient success stories underscore the heartwarming impact of Sinclair Health Clinic. Jennifer shares stories of patients who had their lives transformed through the clinic's care, highlighting a patient whose life was saved from cervical cancer and another who received community-supported financial assistance for a new prosthetic leg socket.

The clinic continues to rely heavily on community support and fundraising efforts to maintain and expand its services. Opportunities for community involvement are highlighted, with a call for financial donations, volunteers, and attendance at their upcoming fundraising gala, Sinclair on the Green, set for September 19th.

Visit Sinclair Health Clinic's website: https://www.sinclairhealthclinic.org/ for more information and to explore ways you can contribute to the clinic's mission. Our conversation wraps up with an open invitation for visits and tours of the clinic to help spread awareness of the vital services they offer.