THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 21, 1996 TAG: 9604190224
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY SUSAN W. SMITH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Chesapeake Care Clinic will open the doors April 25 to the city's teenagers.
Adolescents not covered by health insurance can be treated for acute illnesses, skin care or routine teeth cleaning and teeth sealants at the free clinic. Routine physicals, pelvic examinations, asthma self-care, healthy dieting and self-esteem counseling will be offered.
The teen clinic is sponsored by a $35,000 grant from Trigon-Blue Cross.
For teenagers from 13 to 18 years old, the clinic will be open on the first Tuesday and the last Thursday of each month. The hours are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and no appointment is necessary.
On the first visit, a parent or guardian must bring proof of home address and family income and give permission for the teenager's treatment. After the first visit, teens can go to the clinic alone.
The teen clinic will not offer follow-up of family planning, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, immunizations or filling of cavities or orthodontic assistance. The public health department offers those services.
Dr. Juan Montero founded the clinic in 1992, when he became concerned about medical care for Chesapeake's ``working poor.'' Although many of the people who visit the clinic are employed, they cannot often afford medical insurance and do not quality for Medicaid or Medicare.
Volunteer doctors, nurses and community helpers, who staff the clinic, have treated about 10,500 patients in the past four years. Nearly 300 patients are seen at the clinic each month. Complaints and illnesses range from colds to critical cases, such as cancer or cardiovascular problems. Medical attention, surgeries and hospitalization arranged through the clinic have totaled nearly $1.7 million in medical assistance.
The clinic is located at the corner of Indian River and Sparrow Road. MEMO: For more information, call Chesapeake Care Clinic at 366-0303.
by CNB