The Knox County Health Clinic |
(207) 594-6996info@knoxclinic.org |
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FACTS ABOUT KCHC & MIDCOAST HEALTH NET The Knox County Health Clinic was founded in June of 1999 to provide primary medical care to the working people of the Mid-Coast region who cannot afford their own health insurance and do not qualify for Medicaid, Medicare or other programs. A Dental Program was added in April of 2001, with the help of a $20,000 grant from the Maine Department of Human Services. The Dental Program is able to serve patients who qualify for Medicaid, and can offer them improvements on the services offered under that program. In 2003, the Clinic began assisting patients in obtaining free medications through a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP). All the services are operated under the auspices of Mid-Coast Health Net, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation. In 2008, the Clinic expanded its services to include mental health. 
The clinic is staffed by dedicated volunteer doctors, nurses, social workers, receptionists, and office workers. To date, more than seventy volunteers have been involved. There are five part-time employees at this point: an Executive Director, a Staff Nurse, a Prescription Assistance Program Coordinator, a Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator, and a Dental Hygienist. Dr. Paul Klainer, an MD with twenty years experience in emergency and adult medicine, is the Medical Director. The Dental Program links patients up with area dentists who have volunteered their time. A number of local dentists and oral surgeons participate. Since 2004, the Clinic has employed a part-time dental hygienist to perform routine examinations and cleanings. Since opening its doors in 1999, the Knox County Health Clinic has logged thousands of patient visits, including many repeat visits for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Several acute conditions have been diagnosed and successfully treated. The Dental Program has helped over 400 patients, both child and adult, and has about one hundred people on its waiting list. An article published by Village Soup/Rockland Herald Gazette on May 22, 2009 tells the story of the founding of the Clinic in more detail: "Free Health Clinic in Rocland Celebrates Decade of Caring" The mission of Mid Coast Health Net is to build the capacity of the midcoast community to provide high quality, low or no cost health and wellness services to low income, uninsured and underinsured persons. Provision of direct medical, dental and mental health services and a network of specialty providers and referral services will be made available to assure that all midcoast residents have the opportunity to improve and maintain their overall health. E-MAIL ADDRESS: info@knoxclinic.org PRESCRIPTION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (PAP): added in 2003 MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM: added in 2008 STAFF NURSE: Alice Newbert, RN MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS COORDINATOR: Michele Mannion, LCPC BOARD of DIRECTORS
FUNDING Mid-Coast Health Net was initially set up with a grant from the Northeast Health Foundation. Continued funding has come from individual donors, local organizations, area businesses, and foundations. A grant from the Maine Department of Human Services initiated the Dental Program. Click here if you would like to find out more about how you can help! more about |
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