The Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center, Inc. opened their doors on April 20, 2007.  Since opening their doors, they have seen and are following over 167 patients.  They average 25 patients every clinic with the assistance of one medical doctor.  The patients come to the clinic from over 21 zip codes throughout the central Ohio area.  Almost all of the patients are in the age range of 18-64 years old.  The majority of the patients have graduated from high school or college.  Over 67% of the patients are at or below the 0-100% of the poverty level.  The clinic provides services to patients who are at or below the 200% poverty level.  The ethnicity of the patients who come to the clinic include 46% are African-American, 45% are White and 9% are Hispanic, Asian or Somalia.

The services that the clinic has provided include routine medical examinations including work and school related physicals, gynecological examinations, diabetes and hypertension screenings and treatment, laboratory services, prescriptions services, health instructions, referrals to specialty clinics and social service agencies and spiritual guidance.

The Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center depends on the support of individuals, churches, businesses and grants for the operational expenses of the clinic.  At the end of the year, appeal letters were sent to neighborhood churches and individuals.  The clinic continues to reach out for support.  Every gift helps get patients back to work, to school, or to caring for their families.  Donations will provide:
$5 gift cards for medication to Meijer, Wal Mart, Kroger, Target and Giant Eagle
$24 for 100 glucose test strips
$75 for antibiotics to treat an acute infection
$100 for 5 glucose test monitors for diabetics
$450 for 6 hours of computer technical support
$1,000 for treating a hypertensive patient with medication for one year
$3,500 for liability insurance for one year
$5,000 for a computer database for client records.

Any gift of time, talent or financial support will make an impact on the quality of health care for those who need the services of the Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center.  One of the clients expressed her gratitude for the services of the clinic by saying, "You have made a huge positive difference in my life and are helping me to get better and back to being a productive, happy, self-sufficient person."

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The Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is a member of the Ohio Association of Free Clinics and the National Association of Free Clinics.