
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 25, 1990                   TAG: 9004250548
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PRAISE FOR WORK OF CLINIC COORDINATOR

THE DEDICATION ceremony of the Free Clinic was charming, and Barbara Bush was a delight. There were many people praised, including the founders, the board of directors, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and all others who volunteer their time in their own special way to help the people of the valley receive the quality medical care that they deserve.

However, there was an individual not mentioned in the ceremony who I feel should be recognized for her special efforts in the success that we have at the clinic. She is the clinical coordinator, Karen Houghton, R.N.

What I think people don't realize, unless they are patients there, is that the care is on a continuing basis - not just on Tuesday and Thursday nights when the clinic is open. Karen sees patients on evenings the clinic is operating. Then on her own time, she follows up on all that was done with them and for them. They are then notified by the case worker, Lynda Huddleston, of the need to return to the clinic for follow-up care.

Karen has been at the clinic for 11 years, seven as clinical coordinator. Her knowledge of all aspects of nursing is tremendous.

The clinic could not be the success that it is without the help of the entire team. I am thankful to be part of it as a volunteer nurse. JO ANN GEVAS, R.N. VINTON

by CNB