Thank God for the free clinic! Is there something we can do to help? Send donations, etc?

I can see both sides. Doctors do have an overhead that must be met to pay their bills and earn a living. But, if you can't pay for medical coverage of any kind, what do you do.....go to a free clinic. Janet McQueen says no one will be turned away, but for how long? This tragedy will not be solved in 1 or 2 months. What a mess, and how can everyone start to win? Dan and John, thanks for keeping these agonizing problems in front of our faces. Hopefully our memories will be longer this time. Unfortunately, there will always be a need for paid and free medical service in this country.

Thank God, Mayor Favre has stepped in.I know Hancock Med. Ctr. and the local physicians will not treat anyone for free. As a resident of Hancock county,I am embarrassed by the behavior of our local physicians. Thank you Louden Medical Group for being here.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, Dr. Currier for treating me and my upper respiratory infection!!!! As a resident of Bay St. Louis who has lost her job and healthcare benefits due to Katrina, I am QUITE aware that the hospital does not turn anyone away from treatment. However, with no job or healthcare insurance, how does Ms. McQueen expect people to pay for the treatment that one receives? I am not asking for a handout, just some assistance until I find a new job. As far as Medicaid is concerned, I was told that I did not qualify due to my age (mid 30's) and that I do not have children. So, what is the alternative? And, believe me, I am not the only one who is facing this predicament without the luxury of relocating to another city due to financial strains of the loss experienced. And, before the judgements may pour into the blog, I have never seeked assistance before....I am college educated....I have been gainfully employed since 15....And, I have paid taxes for that same period.

I think that they need more clinics as of your to let the people know that you really care and are not just a number. Good Luck and Bless you for all the help that you have already given.

I have had to visit the Free Clinic multiple times since I returned to the Bay at the end of September. They gave me a free hepatitis-A shot and antibiotics. Allergic reaction to the mud has caused my friends and me numerous upper respiratory infections, a constant cough from the dust, and depression because we are overwhelmed by our losses and the work of rebuilding. The doctors and health care staff at the clinic have treated us all multiple times.

I went to the hospital's emergency room once. They sent me a bill for $150. Even though I no longer have my full-time job, I was able to retain heath insurance at over $300 per month. I don't know how long I can keep paying that amount becasue I'm only working part-time, I have a home equity loan that I haved been paying, and rebuilding my home has cost over $12,000 so far for gutting, wall repair, appliances, and kitchen cabinets. Insurance and FEMA have paid less than half. I've applied for an SBA loan, but despite a lot of questions and inspection of my home, I've heard nothing from them and I have run out of savings. And, I'm one of the very lucky ones. I have a home to rebuild. Most of my friends lost everything!

Dr. Currier and the other staff at the clinic are the most caring, nurturing people I have met. In addition to medical care, they give and give and give the emmotional support that is so needed here. So far, my "own" physician is nowhere to be found.

I can only hope that Dr. Currier stays here a long time. SHe and her staff are very much needed.

Doctors complaining about free clinics? Maybe they should have donated their services...Don't worry doctors....soon enough you will be in control again...After all, isn't that what has made them mad...Loss of control! Bravo to the free clinics!

Doctors fussing....thats redicules...all that should matter is people being able to obtian healthcare...thanks to the hospital....but God bless the free clinic...and it's staff!!!

I agree with the opinion that those seeking free health care are those without money to pay for the services. Keep the free clinics open for as long as the people need them, after all, that's what they're for!

If you have no job or insurance how will you be able to pay those ungodly bills that the hospital will charge you? They will not turn you away but they sure will bill you. Just the thought of no medical bill can relieve some of the stress of those in the area. Less stress can help the person recover more quickly. I was fortunate to have my employer continue my insurance until we reopened, but my copays for both doctor and medicine are so high I could not afford to use my doctor until I was back on payroll. The 210.00 a week for unemployment was helpful but it did not go far. I utilized the free clinic in Biloxi and was very thankful for their service. Do not close the clinic!!! It is extremely good for both physical and mental health of the people of the Gulf Coast.

I am a Katrina evacuee from Bay St. Louis. The main reason we left after the storm was to get medical help. Even before the hurricane I would not use the greedy self-serving physicians in Hancock County. The first question they asked when called was how you were going to pay the bill. I guess the storm did not change thier outlook ! Hurrah for the "free clinic". Thanks God someone cares for those who need the assistance. We received the medical care we needed in another state and no one asked how we were going to pay the bill. There are doctors who care about thier communities and patients more than thier bank accounts - just not many in Hancock County.

If the doctors would donate a portion of their time to the clinic, they could get to know the people that are in need of this service. Then they might understand the plight of their situation and needs a little better after a few weeks of the experience. They might also soften up a little and gain the respect and confidence of the patients, seeing them as people instead of business opportunities. They may even gain a couple new patients when the free clinic closes.
I do hope that the clinic stays in place until the residents and local businesses can get on their feet.

OF COURSE THEY NEED TO KEEP THE FREE CLINICS OPEN FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE...ALWAYS, REALLY...MOST PEOPLE THAT CAN'T AFFORD HEALTH INSURANCE CAN NOT AFFORD MORE BILLS FROM BEING TREATED AT THE HOSPITAL...I BELIEVE THAT ALL POOR FOLKS SHOULD HAVE FREE HEALTH CARE IN THIS COUNTRY!

The doctors complaining need to reassure the people that they will be able to get medical care even if they can't pay. I believe this is true for all emergency rooms anyway. They may have to take a pay cut untill people can get back on their feet again. It will come. Would they take $25.00 instead of the $75.00 fee they normally charge for an office visit? Are they willing to give medicine away for free? I think not. If people really have no income or a job, just how do they expect people to pay? There is no easy answer to this problem; the doctors need to make a living also. Do the people of the Pass or the Bay really want all of their doctors to leave? That's not the answer. How about the goverment steppin in and helping these physicians out with supplemnets for indigent patients that they end up treating?

Thank you Mayor Farve!! Maybe the doctors should take a few lessons from the Mayor-
It makes one wonder if the doctors from Bay St Louis would donate their time in VA -- (if the shoe were on the other foot) -God Bless those doctors that have left their families to help the Gulf Coast-
You have obviously taken your oath very seriouslY!
Thanks again for everything!

I was part of a volunteer team staffing a medical clinic in New Orleans in Dec. I agree with the need for free medical clinics. I do understand also that you need to bring doctors back into the area. Perhaps we need a program need to reimburse doctors for giving away services during a transition period and not just those in the free clinics. This needs to be something like what they do for Rite Aid which has provided free drugs using gov't funds. This program requires minimal paperwork. The physicians would need the same thing. Otherwise they will not be able to come back into the area.

Seems unfortunate that citizens from around the country can see the local doctors are not as caring as the free clinic docs. Local docs need to rebuild as well, however kindness and giving goes a long way to attracting new patients and retaining old ones.

I am the CEO of the group that has been providing free services to the wonderful people of the Bay St. Louis area in the train depot. We were welcomed days after the hurricane by the community leaders and we were asked to remain until the need to provide free services reduced. We went to the area with supply, physicians, nurses and other volunteers. We went with no plan except to help the people who were in need. We have provided services to 10,000 people and have only been able to do so with the volunteers of docs who have put their practice on hold and the many medical surgical vendors who have provided us with supply free. We believe we have provided a valuable service which has come at significant effort and cost which the people of our group and community in VA have supported readily and without reservation.

We have always said we would remain as long as the community needs us. We have defined the community as (1) the local elected leaders (2) the citizens and (3) the local health care providers. We are supported by the local elected leaders and much of the community. We are supported by some of the physicians. Dr. Chevis has been very supportive and has worked in the free clinic. I personally offered other local physicians the opportunity to use the facility to provide services to their own patients as well as to patients who require health care services free from charge.

As a CEO of a medical group I understand the need to generate income to pay overhead of the practice and I also understand the need to provide free services to people who cant afford to pay. We are hoping to facilitate the assurance that people without a source of income to pay health care costs will continue to receive care free from charge or at a reduced fee after we leave. I have personally offered assistance in development of a permanent free clinic and am researching other opportunities to provide free care through Federal and State Grants.

I am a physician supporter and I understand the frustration of the local docs. They lost their business and many their homes. They have suffered too. I remain willing to coordinate services of the free clinic with local doc offices in ensuring a smooth transtion while ensuring free or reduced fee services to patients in need. I am at the clinic on a regular basis and am willing to continue to meet with local docs and others in understanding their needs and ensure we are not causing difficulties for their practice redevelopment.

Our goal: to provide services to citizens in need after this horrific storm and to ensure access to services after we leave in an effective and comprehensive transition.

You can learn more about what we have done and our organization at www.virginiacares.org

Thank you to those who have been supportive on this site as well as the phone calls we have received.

75$....C Miller?...the last DR. i saw was 195$....for about 10 minuites...i felt as if i had been bent over a stump....i'm not sure i wasn't?????

oh....and i guess i'll die before i pay something like that again.....dammit!!!

Bay St. Louis was my home town, and as a spouse of a medical professional, and the administrator who pays the bills for the practice, I can sympathize with both the doctors and with the patients. While we don't live in Mississippi, I know what it takes to pay the overhead where we live. We pay more in overhead a month, than we made in year when my husband was an educator. There are 8 employees and their families depending upon my husband for their livelihood. We have medical school loans that could have paid for a nice home, no retirement built up, and while others were saving and building equity, we were living on next to nothing, working 60-80 hours a week and having very little family life. Now that he is in private practice, my husband does medical missions overseas every year, lives on very little sleep, and is constantly attending to the needs of others, and not his own. If we had settled back in the Bay, we would also have lost our home, still had our loans on both the home and the medical school to pay off, in addition to loans on the practice. In that situation, we would want to stay, but I don't know how we would have been able to. I guess it just is hard to hear people talk about greedy doctors, when I live next to one who has sacrificed for years and continues to. I know the situation is desperate for everyone and I am glad that help has come to the Bay. But have you ever stopped and wondered where that help comes from? It may just come from someone like my husband.

I am so glad that there are some people out there that are thinking of those in need instead of making money. So many people lost homes, jobs, and loved ones from this storm. I understand that everyone has to make a living, but at whose cost. These money hungry doctors need to put themselves in the shoes of the not so fortunate ones and realize that many of those in need don't have large bank accounts or large savings as many of these doctors have. Show a little respect and generosity to these people. As the Bible says "Do unto to others as you would have them do unto you." That in a nutshell says alot. One day when you doctors get your practices started back up, I can assure you the people will remember who helped them in a time of need and who didn't. Here in Philadelphia, Ms we had one gas station that never went up on their gas price during the store. I remember that gas station and drive across town just to use it because they didn't take advantage of those in need. Just remember what goes around comes around. Your actions speak for the type person you are.

If they have a need for a free clinic before the hurricane, what makes the complaining doctors think that after a disaster they don't need more of them? I would like to see just one doctor get in front of a microphone and talk to the media about the clinic taking money away from his pocket and his plan to serve all the needy people in that area in a efficient manor... Seems the best they can do is talk to a local newpaper and phone interview. If people can't afford treatment, they can't afford it. Charging people on a sliding scale is still charging them. He'd either get laughed at or torn apart by a crowd of his "patients"... Then I'd like to see that footage go out nationally...

Shame on those private physicians! Instead of criticizing the free clinic they should be donating their time. What a bunch of greedy boodsuckers. I have no doubt that they were able to afford sufficient insurance for their problems anyway. Why do the wealthy always want to skim the last dime of the poor? Shame Shame Shame.

Coastal Family Health was the only option for health care for many in Hancock County before the storm. They're just now up and running again with a very limited staff. Before the storm, they did a fine job, but they were always overwhelmed - it was impossible to get an appointment for emergencies. I know because I used their services many times. And now, with so many people out of work and without insurance, we need accessible medical care more than ever.

The free clinic has been a godsend. I've been myself and taken several friends. The staff has been friendly, efficient, caring - Dr. Currier and the rest of the group are true heros. They are merely filling the gap that CFH used to provide. If someone here has a regular physician and the money or insurance to pay, they're not going to go to the free clinic. And at this point, does the hospital really want hoardes of residents with minor ailments tying up their emergency room?

By the way, I just tried calling Dr. Crittendon's office. There was no answer. Not even an answering machine.

I guess one question is, what is the long-term prognosis for the jobs of the doctors at the med-centers? If the residents don't have jobs or an economy that will support the facility, forcing people into debt will serve no purpose - as they will not get any income anyway. The economy needs to rebuilt quickly, or at least have a plan for economic reconstruction that includes the medical professionals.

Art Davis says, "Unfeeling Mountainfolk", as a description for the VA doctors, hummmmm....I wonder if his loved one needed medical care and had no money, would these "Unfeeling Mountainfolk Doctors" be good enough for his loved one? I bet so! Thanks to the VA Doctors and hurry home once your job is complete there.

I am ashamed for those MD's for thinking of themselves and not what really matters,which is helping these people who have lost everything and have nothing. Maybe they should donate some of their time instead of being worried it will affect their pockets. I think it's time they reviewed their hypocratic oaths!

This is a sad situation. I guess when those that are doing well loose everything then it will become clear that is better to give than receive.Free Clinics are the work of the spirit and must continue as long as there is a need.I believe the physician's anger is really to be viewed as fear.The only thing that overcomes fear is love and knowledge so invite them down to do service to their community before it is to late for them.

Thank God for the free clinic and the great volunteers who came halfway across the country to misister to the health care needs of not only the residents, but the workers. My son worked in Bay St. Louis for about 2 months and is helping to restore St. Stanislaus school and he got a cut and had to have stitches and they were given tetnus shots and antibiotics. God bless them. There was another time he had to go to the 'depot' and get medical care. Thank God some people in this world do things 'just to help' and the almighty dollar is not the main focus. This mom says, 'Thanks to all at the depot for caring for all the people'.

As a member of a team from Kansas that spent three weeks helping towards the recovery process in Hancock County I was a recipient of needed care at the Clinic. At that time it was one of the few Care Providers that were available. As we know the recovery process is not going to take days, weeks or months it is going to take years and part of that process begins with the economic recovery of the County. I would suggest that a screening process be established to identify who can and/or cannot afford to pay for the health care services that are provided. Once that process is established than both the Free Clinic and Hancock County Medical Facility must work together in helping the local doctors in re-establishing their patient base. As we all know, human nature tells us to take advantage of a situation that allows us to get something for nothing but at some point in time those free services need to be removed. Until then as the famous words of Rodney King we spoken "can't we all just get along".

Many of the respondants to this article seem to believe that the doctors of Hancock County are sitting in their mansions, counting their money, and thinking of ways to "stick it to the poor and downtrodden." These men and women have lost everything--their homes and businesses--too. Is it wrong for them to want to protect their livelihood? I think not. They,like many of the residents, are dealing with insurance companies, who may or may not pay their claims. They are struggling to reestablish their practices in an area that has been completely devastated. It is unfair to criticize the doctors for not "volunteering" their time. Before the hurricane, many of our physicians volunteered in a many areas of our community. Some were publicized, but most did this service anonymously, without much fanfare. These physicians could have called it quits after the hurricane (and truthfully some did). They could have packed up and moved to another city where they wouldn't have to struggle. They decided to come back to their community, to their patients. If these doctors leave, where is our community's health care going to come from? The doctors in the free clinic will not be here forever.
There is no need for another permanent free clinic in Bay St. Louis. Would this group consider working with Coastal Family Health Center to assist in expanding their services? They could ensure that those who can pay do and those who are truly in need of free care receive it. It would seem that this would be a helpful solution for both "sides" of this issue.

Karen,

Glad to see that you feel so strongly about this situation. Apparently, you must either have the health insurance to cover your bills or the cash in hand to pay the doctors and/or hospital. I do not have either. When you consider the unemployment rate prior to the storm and now, you should be able to understand that those who were working prior to the storm and had insurance, no longer do. If one was to base the qualifications for your suggestion on last year's income, the majority of those who had it prior to the storm would not qualify at Coastal Family HEalth Center. Now, I understand that there are physicians who are facing the same problems that myself and my family are facing. And, I sympathize with their fates. However, closing the clinic or combining the clinics should not be an option. As I stated in my post earlier, I DO NOT qualify for other options of medical care. I checked into a private insurance plan that cost over $400 per month for myself. After taxes, my unemployment compensation would be cut in half with that type of premium leaving not too much for other bills that I am trying to stay current. The only option if the clinic closes is the ER at HMC that would result in unpaid hospital bills. Please think of those that are not in a situation that allows for expendable income on health insurance premiums. While trying to rebuild homes and/or start over, people need to focus on themselves and their families, not medical bills. It is bad enough here trying to make ends meet. Do not add fuel to the fire!

Hi Lisa, Originally from Buffalo myself. I think you misspelled it, Hypocrite oath. Even though I hold the medical field in high regards as many of us do, it's sad to see a few doctors unable to make house payments on their summer homes in the Hamptons. I'm not saying that doctors have to be humble all the time, but to blatantly speak about how greedy these doctors are is a disservice to the whole field of medicine. The public holds certain groups in society in very high regards, doctors (and nurses!!) being one of these groups. I hate to see them drag other doctors down. I am from Loudon County and am very proud of our doctors who are down there.

People need to understand that the "free clinic" or any of the other "free" services are only free to the recipients of the care. Indeed, providing these "free services" is costing many individuals, companies, and organizations plenty. From the physicians and other healthcare workers who donate time (i.e. not getting paid for their work) to the pharmaceutical companies who take losses to donate medications, to civic and government organizations who have to come up with yet another check to keep things going, all this is certainly not free to them. I hope the very deserving recipients of the "free" services recognize that someone down the line is giving up something so that they may provide for them. A noble act, truly, but what a shame if those who benefit now feel entitled and expect others to do without so that they may have. Doctors, nurses, etc., all have personal financial obligations, too. What good will it do the region if we bankrupt all the physicians and hospitals so that they are unable to continue to provide any care at all?

I think what is probably most disturbing about this article is the way the private physicians insinuate that people who CAN pay for their healthcare will simply go to the free clinic, rather than using their healthcare benefits.

While there may be a small percentage of people who receive free services when they could pay for it, there's a larger percentage who couldn't pay for it, and who would incur a large debt load (that is no longer dischargeable by bankruptcy, FYI) if free services were not available. These folks would have liens put on their properties and salaries to pay off the medical bills they incurred with the private physicians and local hospitals if they did not pay them. The impression I get from the story is that the private physicians and the local hospital are upset that are not getting the opportunity to suck these patients dry financially. And given that the local physicians screaming the loudest won't talk to the media, they certainly reinforce that impression.

I can only say, "Thank God for Mayor Farve!" and the other politicians who remain steadfast in their committment to care for the people of their city.

I am appalled at the behavior of this small group of doctors in BSL. Insisting on the closure of a clinic where medical services are provided to needy people is not only greedy, but also shows a lack of care for the overall population of the city of Bay St. Louis. If these people remain sick because they can't afford medical care, it endangers EVERYONE.

As Bay St. Louis rises from the ruin, I know the citizens will remember who supported them in their time of need and who was ready to take advantage of them.

My advice to the MD's who are complaining is to donate some of their time to help the citizens who are in need who used to be their patients. Afterall, they are the ones who were responsible for your former success, when they are back on their feet, they will be responsible for your future success---if they choose to be.

Thumbs up to Dr. Currier and the people of the Loudon Medical Group.

Our daughter and her church group spent part of their Christmas vacation (and their own transportation costs from VA)helping out in Bay St.Louis,including in the free clinic. God bless them; their fresh energy and enthusiasm gives everyone a boost. May God especially bless and sustain those who are working at the clinic for many more than just a few days but "for the duration". My impression, and I am a nurse myself, is that it is very important to continue providing the free clinic -- there are so many for which it is their only recourse.
At the same time I very much agree with Anna of Dallas, and Karen of Bay St.Louis, that we should not be ABUSING the community's physicians in the way many comments are doing -- very unChristian. I do also believe that most of the suspicion and anger on both "sides" is due to fear. Working together, for kindness' sake, will dispell that, and what miracles will be wrought in everyones' lives!

The ancient mariner feels sad for all of you in the US. You don't have a national health system you deserve. Did you know that you only have to be elected one time to the US House or Senate to be eligible for lifetime medical cover at military hospitals. Some of these same, in fact most of he former and many of present august public servants defeated a Clinton proposal to give all Americans a similar health plan to those in Europe. People in Europe work and pay taxes like you, but they get better value for their money. I imagine a lot of you would like to live in DC for two years, vote yea or nay and if you are sent packing you still get the red carpet if you want a doctor. And the clowns you have now!!!! Seems like every day georgie picks another know next to nothing pal for some important post. But he wants to teach your kids Urdu and Farsi. Be happy with that. I DO NOT mean to be sarcastic and I hope all of you get all that you need to get back to living for the future.

I always believed that health care has been like a runaway freight train. So much so that it has gone beyond any type of control. Do Americans realize that Health care has more freedoms than any other service, industry, and business in America and we let it happen and it is something that we could have controlled ourselves as patients?

Why is it when you repair your home that has a broken window and needs replaced you call contractors and you get prices and estimates of what it will cost to fix or replace it and you go with the lowest bid. You ask questions about warranty on the work and how long that window should last and by goodness is they so much as scratch the paint replacing that window we scream and holler at them and demand it be repaired or a replacement free of charge.

When you break an arm, you go to any doctor, walk in, basically sign a blank check and agree to pay whatever that Doctor wants to charge you. Do we ask the question what it will cost to fix? Do we ask the question what is the warranty on this broken arm that your about to fix? No. 3 months later when complications have set in, you go right back to the same doctor and write another blank check and say fix it. He or she says, now let’s try this. Another attempt is made to fix that broken arm. 3 months later you are now at the well it looks like we need to do surgery on it, you write another blank check and agree to pay for it. By that point, tons of prescriptions later, doctor’s visits, x-rays, blood work, hospital costs that are outrageous.

Now let’s throw in the key word. Insurance. If you have insurance on your house you know that is exactly why you want the lowest bid because you’re insurance demands it. Did you ever wonder why your health insurance doesn’t? How many times have you ever had a telephone call from your health care insurance agent who says to you…we just paid out a huge amount of money to this doctor and hospital so we want to know did you have this done?
It is never questioned. Then when our insurance rates go up, we scream at the insurance company. The insurance companies scream it the cost of health care that has gone up, then it’s the doctors who scream, the overhead has gone up. Somebody is always controlling somebody. Why don’t we as patients? In otherwords, maybe it’s time we REGULATE our own HEALTH CARE and COSTS. We need to put competition into our medical profession. In otherwords, hey DOC, you’re charging to much this DOC can do it cheaper.

Exactly what is happening in Bay St. Louis. Maybe we should fight tooth and nail to keep the free clinics here and force our own local physicians to start fighting against that overhead cost and start a reverse roll. How many times have you ever heard a doctor say…I need to fight the band aid company on behalf of my patients? Maybe it’s time we force our insurance companies to stop writing out checks without random investigations when Doctors submit bills? Maybe it’s time we take back control of our own health care.

What good would it do if the unemployed masses accrue bills and obligations that they have no idea where the money is going to come from? No one wants to see the doctors and/or hospital close or go bankrupt, but, again where is the money for the services supposed to come from when FAMILIES are unemployed with no healthcare insurance? Even the most frugal, "saving for a rainy day" person can not afford out of pocket expenses at this time. It is quite apparent that some posters have no idea the dire straits in this community. So, let me spell it out......Imagine your home nicely furnished and providing the needed shelter for you and you family. OK??? NOW, imagine a piece of concrete that was your slab foundation being the only thing standing????? Nothing else where you once lived. Nothing....no personal effects, no trees, shrubbery, etc. How much more of a description do you need????? Some people have NO MONEY to buy food. Do you understand that there are families living in tents????? Tents, you know camping equipment???? And, that's putting it mildly. Where will the money come from for physician and/or hospital bills? Come to the Coast for a few days. Take in the devastation, the mud, and stench that can still be found. Maybe then, you will understand that your opinions are not necessary and are just opinions.

gee i guess if i were sick and didn't have a home{only a slab and a pile of rubble} i would let the greedy hospital and doctors have it to fix me up....let them pay for the clean-up....Man they will probably own most eveything there before this is over....WHAT A SHAME

I am so glad to see some kind of aid reaching Hancock County, MS. My home is in Pearlington, MS, but I was dislocated to Salina, KS. All I have seen is footage of New Orleans and Biloxi. Hancock County was the brunt of the storm, so I hope that others will recognize that New Orleans and Biloxi, though they were hard hit areas, were not the only ones affected by the storm. Please help the Hancock County residents in any way you can. They need your prayers, thoughts, and concerns.

I am praying for everyone on the coast. I know it's devastatingly hard and I am so grateful that the clinic is there to help. Our healthcare system is crazy, and I say that from the inside. We can't help patients in need out right, because that would require charging them less than Medicare...which is Medicare fraud. So we treat them, and tell them to ignore the bills for three months and then we write them off, and before we do that, we're supposed to have proof of hardship and income, which is more paperwork. It's just part of doing business and of caring for people, no matter how much they can pay. It would be much cheaper for us to say, it's no charge, but we can't. How nuts is that? Anyway, please hang in there, everyone. A better day will surely come. Please don't lose hope.

I don't think that anyone is trying to verbally abuse the local physicians in this situation; however, they have put themselves in a bad position by speaking only privately to town officials and not to the media. Perhaps if they cared to give a public explanation of why they were trying to do what they did, people could gain a deeper understanding of the situation. Those who cannot afford healthcare have offered their explanations; it's time for the physicians to explain their side. Maybe they have a legitimate argument. Unless they speak, no one will know. The citizens of this area at least deserved a public debate on the topic. The fact that the doctors backed down reinforces the negative impressions.

IT IS REALLY SAD FOR BOTH THE DRS. AND PATIENTS... HOWEVER.. WHEN I HEAR A DR. SAY... THE CITY HAS TOLD US THAT YALL R NO LONGER CONCIDERED A DISASTER.. AND THAT THEY SHOULD LEAVE...... THAT IS DOWN RITE CRAZY... WE R STILL A DISASTER... IN MY COMMUNITY.. CLERMONT HARBOR.. THERE IS STILL NO WATER.. AND THEY R JUST STARTING TO CLEAN IT UP...I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT ALL THE VOLUNTER DRS KNOW THAT THEY R APPRECIATED... THANK U FOR STAYING...WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP... I TRULY DONT THINK THAT WE CAN STAND ON OUR OWN 2 FEET YET...

No longer a Disaster....that's idiotcrasie...welcome help...from anyone willing to give it....THANKS...to da doc's from Virgnia!!!!....bless ya'll

Dear Dr. Currier
I am an RN,Interested in volunteering at your facility after the first week in Feb.Should you or another facility be interested in the services I could provide, Please e-mail me.

Sincerely

Mark D. Donaldson

hi, i lost my casion job after the hurricane which means that i lost my health insurance also. i have been going to the same local doctor for years and can no longer afford to go to him anymore. the free clinic is the only place that i can recive health care right now. i am thankful that they are there and doing a wonderful job. i came in a few weeks ago and they took great care of me. i worked at casino magic so that i could get health insurance. there arent many places out there that will provide insurance for a young highschool grad working her way through college. thank you guys!

p s if i had my health insurance. i wouldnt go to the free clinic because like my regular doctor and he knows me and my problems. but i cant afford him now and the free clinic is my only choice for the minor things like the katrina crud. i have a disc problems in my lower back and was going to start rounds of shots in my spine to help with the pain. that same week katrina came through. 4 months later i still havent been able to do anything about it and am in constant pain. i called my regular doctor to see if he would give me something to help me since i no longer have insurance. and really really cant afford the shots now. he said no. id have to come and see him. this is the same problem that i have been suffering from for almost a year way before katrina. he knows about my back problems hes been my doctor from 16 now im 25. im not the type of person to abuse pain pills and he knows that. i need help that the free clinic cannot provide. to me that is what makes me mad i am a loyal patient and if i could afford to go see him i would. what do i do?

I HAVE BEEN AN EMPLOYEE OF HANCOCK MEDICAL CENTER FOR 12 YEARS. BEFORE HURRICANE KATRINA OUR HOSPITAL SERVED THIS COMMUNITY AND WAS BLOSSOMING INTO A NEW AND IMPROVED FACILITYWITH MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES AND PATIENTS. NOW WE ARE FACED WITH HAVING TO REBUILD WHAT WE LOST. MANY OF THE EMPLOYEES HAVE HAD TO MOVE ELSEWHERE AND TRAVEL TO OTHER AREAS OF THE COUNTRY TO FIND EMPLOYMENT AND SECURITY FOR OUR FAMILIES. THE HOSPITAL STAFF ARE FACING DIFFICULT OBSTACLES DURING THIS DEVASTATING TIME. THE PEOPLE IN THIS COMMUNITY ONLY WANT SOMETHING NORMAL BACK IN OUR LIVES.

HMC IS A CLOSE KNIT FAMILY TRYING TO SURVIVE. OUR PHYSICIANS HAVE GIVEN UP A GREAT DEAL TO STAY HERE. SEVERAL PHYSICIANS INCLUDING OUR WONDERFUL SURGEONS STAYED DURING THE STORM AND VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME AND SERVICES AT THE MILITARY HOSPITAL DURING THE AFTERMATH. OVER ONE HALF OF THE PHYSICIANS ON STAFF LOST THEIR HOMES AND DREAMS. HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO SURVIVE WHEN WE ARE MET WITH OPPOSITION AT EVERY TURN?

I AM GRATEFUL FOR EVERY ORGANIZATION WHO HAVE DONATED THEIR TIME DURING THE COMMUNITY'S TIME OF NEED, BUT IT IS TIME FOR THIS COMMUNITY TO REBUILD WHAT WE HAVE LOST AND MAKE IT HOME AGAIN. THE HOSPITAL IS IN DIRE NEED OF SUPPORT FROM THE LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. IF THE FUNDING FROM ANY ONE OF THESE BRANCHES IS IN THE LEAST BIT JEOPARDIZED THIS COMMUNITY WILL FACE ANOTHER DEVASTATING LOSS. JOBS WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO HAVE STAYED BECAUSE OF THE LOVE WE HAVE FOR THE GULFCOAST AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE. IT IS CERTAINLY UNFAIR TO CLASSIFY ANY OF THE STAFF'S CHARACTER AS GREEDY OR SELFISH. WE STAYED TO CARE FOR THE PATIENTS IN THE COMMUNITY IN UNBEARABLE CONDITIONS SO THAT MAYBE ONE MORE LIFE COULD BE SAVED EVEN IF IT MEANT BEING SEPERATED FROM OUR FAMILIES.

I APPLAUD THE HOSPITAL STAFF FOR THEIR ACTS OF HEROISM DURING A VERY FRIGHTENING TIME. WE AT HANCOCK MEDICAL CENTER HAVE DONE EVERYTHING TO ENSURE THE SURVIVAL OF OUR HOSPITAL SO THAT IN RETURN WE CAN PROVIDE THE BEST HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR OUR COMMUNITY. HMC IS THE ONLY HOSPITAL IN THIS AREA OF GREAT NEED. HMC SHOULD BE SUPPORTED NOT JUDGED. ONCE AGAIN WE ARE DEVASTATED BY THE EFFECT OF HURRICANE KATRINA.

It's amazing how this clinic has gotten SO much exposure, is still running - at THEIR cost and doesn't have enough medical personnel to keep it running - during a time when it's so needed.

If you want to help, call your local doctor's office, tell them about the situation and that help is needed! And not just in Bay St. Louis - it's needed throughout the Gulf Region.

I have posted the LMG Free Clinic needs information on my blog - along with many other organizations within Hancock County, MS. Please feel free to direct anyone there who wishes to help. For help of ALL kinds is going to be needed for YEARS.

Leslie

www.katrinanetworking.blogspot.com

Well, eventually the free clinics will be gone. When I was last home many of the practices were not even gutted yet. Some doctors have been forced to give up their practices because they cannot afford to reopen. My opinion is that the patients will be there for the docs as soon as they are back and running. Maybe everyone should try a little patience. And yes, I am a resident of Waveland who plans to return.

Having never been treated by Dr. Crittenden,I only hopes he takes more time and thought to his decisions concerning patient treatment than he did when he made his comments against the free clinics which embarrassed not only Hancock County but his peers as well

Hello. My name is Dane Taylor. I am a paramedic that was sent to Bay St. Louis to help get the free clinic up and running. We (HEMSI) worked alongside the Loudon Medical Group in treating hundreds of patients. I hope everyone we met there is doing well. I think about the citizens every day. I agree with keeping the free clinic for as long as possible. It is hard enough being insured and having to pay out of pocket. I can only imagine what it would be like to have nothing and need urgent care. Keep up the good work guys. Take Care.

J. Dane Taylor, NREMT-P