Premier Medical Associates,
The Monroeville Rotary,
Monroeville Assembly of
God and many more local
businesses and people.”
Just a few years ago, the
organization became a 501c3
nonprofit, making it eligible
for grant application. The
clinics operate on donations
alone through monthly giving,
fundraising events and grants. The organization holds three major
fundraisers yearly that include a Sarris Candies pretzel rod sale and a
purse bash in the fall and a spaghetti benefit dinner each spring, where
basket giveaways and auction items are available for bid and a clinic
video is shown to the audience that recounts the year’s good work
throughout the community.
In 2015, the second free clinic expanded the opportunity for people
without insurance to receive care in Turtle Creek. “We saw a huge need
for a clinic in the Turtle Creek area and it’s where Bob grew up,” says
Robin. “He always wanted to give back to his hometown community in
honor of his parents, Joe and Peg.”
Both clinics, formally known as Sheep Inc. Heath Care Center,
currently operate with more than 90 volunteers ranging from doctors,
nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses and nursing
assistants to pharmacists, desk workers, greeters, and chaplains. All of
these professionals are protected with malpractice insurance through
the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and help to provide people who
have no health insurance with the care that they need.
Patients come from all over to attend both of these local clinics.
If the clinics are unable to provide appropriate medical care, the
Beasleys refer patients to Catholic Charities. The organization is able to
complete simple lab tests free of charge through Quest Lab, X-rays at a
discount through Premier and Monroeville Imaging, and provide free
medication prescriptions through the Monroeville Giant Eagle, Target,
Shop ‘n Save and the Turtle Creek CVS.
The clinics average about 100 patients per month. “Since [the
Affordable Care Act] (“Obamacare”) was put into place, attendance has
seen a small drop, but there are still those who cannot afford insurance
and therefore choose to pay the government penalty and attend these
clinics,” says Robin. Often patients are in between jobs or not quite old
enough for Medicare. The Beasleys encourage those who don’t make
enough money or who are unemployed to apply for public assistance.
“There are a lot of people out there who are in pain and need to see a
doctor, but can’t afford to visit one due to high co-pays,” says Robin.
“These patients come to our clinic with multiple chronic problems that
have not been addressed for years. That is what we are here for—to help
people who really need it, free of charge!”
The organization’s staff is all-volunteer with the exception of Eileen
Andrews, director of clinic operations, and her secretary. “They both do
a tremendous amount of work in the clinic and behind the scenes,” says
Robin.
The clinics are always looking for volunteers. “Joining is easy—just
fill out an application, and we do the rest!” says Robin. “We believe that
our clinic is a valuable piece of the community. We love serving and
helping people, and showing God’s love to those in need.”
For more information or to become involved, email Robin at
[email protected]. n
The Monroeville clinic is open every Thursday
from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Monroeville Assembly of
God Church.
The Turtle Creek clinic is open on the first
Saturday of every month from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at
Dr. Marshall’s Valley Chiropractic office off the
Triborough Highway.
Monroeville | Fall 2016 | icmags.com 41