Every student who has walked the halls of Douglass High School must certainly feel a degree of pride at the transformation of their old alma mater. Now the Ebenezer Medical Outreach Center (EMOC), the old building at 1448 10th Avenue once again provides a valuable service to the Huntington community.
It all began over 20 years ago at the Ebenezer United Methodist Church on 8th Avenue as a free medical clinic for those without medical coverage. It has now evolved into a first-class medical center in a beautifully renovated building. With a team of 15 volunteer doctors and a professional staff, it provides a wide range of medical services to uninsured residents of the Tri-State.
Part of those services come from Mark Comer. For more than five years, he has been a registered health information technician working at Ebenezer. He loves his work and the people he works with.
"This job is my baby, it's just a great place to work. Helping people who come here, answering their questions, seeing that they receive quality care -- it's just a good feeling," Comer said.
Alice Lawson is one of those patients. When she lost her husband, she also lost her medical coverage. For six years now, she has been coming to EMOC.
"I would be completely lost without their help," said Lawson, who was waiting to see her chiropractor.
Executive Director Yvonne Jones said that there are certain requirements that must be met to become eligible for free medical treatment. It varies depending on their number of dependents and financial status.
"Each situation is unique and is handled on a individual basis. We place more emphasis on eligibility rather than where they live, since we have patients who come from both Ohio and Kentucky," said Jones, who has been in her current position since 1988.
Jones also mentioned they have an urgent need for a qualified nurse practitioner, which is a paid position. If this seems of interest to you, call the center and speak with Jones.
The center sees an average of 60 patients a week with conditions ranging from joint and bone disorders, heart conditions, diabetes, nervous conditions, stomach aliments, dental concerns, and a wide array of other medical problems. Prescriptions are also filled for a modest donation. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Many patients seen by the staff at Ebenezer suffer from diabetes. Many wait to seek medical treatment until the disease has advanced to a dangerous level and complications develop. Jones is asking for community support to help educate the public about the dangers of diabetes.
"We are planning on monthly nutrition and exercise classes, counseling sessions, support groups, healthy cooking, and other areas designed to increase the awareness of diabetic symptoms," Jones said. "We want a complete lifestyle management program that's designed to keep people out of the hospital."
If you feel qualified and would like to volunteer to help conduct lifestyle classes dealing with the identification, treatment and control of diabetes, you can offer your services by calling the center.
In September, the center is planning a Men's Health Breakfast on prostate awareness. A specific date has not been determined. The center also offers information and educational support on HIV/AIDS by offering confidential tests during the work week. Other programs available at Ebenezer include stress management, job assistance, anger management, and an awareness program on the importance of periodic screening for breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. There is also help in earning a GED, getting into college, and paid training in the building and maintenance trades.
If you feel you may qualify for free medical assistance or any of the above mentioned programs, call the center at 304-529-0753.
Clyde Beal is a freelance writer living in Huntington. This is part of a series of articles bringing attention to those who volunteer their time supporting organizations in our community who would perish without their support. If you wish to become a part of this series, contact Night Local Editor Luke Damron at 304-526-2753 or by e-mail at ldamron@herald-dispatch.com.
7-day Archive
