Samaritan Health Ministries

Samaritan Health Ministries

Written by Kara Vaught Friday, 20 June 2008

On Monday afternoons, people gather at a triple-wide mobile home on the grounds of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to submit their names for a lottery — but money is not the prize. Those whose names are drawn win a doctor’s appointment.

Samaritan Health Ministries provides routine and ongoing medical care to people who are uninsured but do not qualify for government assistance programs. Patients come from all areas of Williamson County and northwest Travis County for a chance to see one of the doctors, nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants who volunteer their time.

“It sounds kind of odd to have a lottery to see a doctor, but if we have more people waiting than we have slots for an appointment, it is more fair than first come, first serve or you would have people that would wait here all day,” said Carol Gaskamp, a registered nurse and volunteer.

Churches, individuals and volunteers, including medical professionals, greeters, assistance coordinators and translators, support SHM, founded in 1990 as Hill Country Medical Ministries. Together, they conduct 800 - 900 patient visits each year.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is expanding onto the land it shares with SHM, so the health ministry must move soon. Organizers plan to relocate the mobile home onto a corner of the church’s lot until a different temporary or permanent location is secured.

“It’s one of our biggest needs right now,” Gaskamp said. “We’re looking for a home.”

SHM’s walk-in clinic on Mondays is open from 4 to 8 p.m. with medication refills available from 4 to 5:45 p.m. If someone is seriously ill and does not win a slot in the lottery, a nurse will consult with him to decide if an emergency room visit is necessary. The goal, Gaskamp said, is to avoid his using an ER for primary care.

Patients with ongoing medical needs such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease have appointments with nurse practitioners between 8:30 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays. Dental and mental health clinics occur from 5 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Patients must be seen during a Monday night clinic to qualify for the other services.

Though services are not free, service is provided at a greatly reduced cost. A sliding scale based on income determines the amount patients are expected to contribute. If potential patients do not meet SHM qualifications, volunteers help them connect with other sources of health care, Gaskamp said.

Like most nonprofits, SHM is always in need of donations and volunteers, especially medical professionals.

“It’s a challenge to connect people to specialist care volunteers or to get [specialists] to reduce their costs,” Gaskamp said.

SHM has had success helping connect women with specialty care. Through a grant from a local affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, SHM has paid for almost 600 mammograms for uninsured women. Those found to have cancer are connected to state and local sources of care, and Gaskamp said she has received reports of successful treatment. For more information on the Breast Cancer Early Detection Project, call SHM.

Samaritan Health Ministries services

Adult and pediatric urgent care, including medications and services

Chronic medical care, including medications

Acute dental care and dental education

Mammography screening

Breast cancer education

Diabetes and nutritional education

Health education for cardiac patients

Mental health services

Samaritan Health Ministries, 700 W. Whitestone Blvd./RM 1431 on the grounds of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church • Cedar Park, 331-6410