Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware (Highmark Delaware) announced that Hope Medical Clinic is the latest recipient of a BluePrints for the Community grant. The Dover-based clinic, which provides health services exclusively to the uninsured, will use the $131,000 grant to fund health education programs at the clinic as well as cover costs associated with medications, diagnostic tests, X-rays, lab work and referrals to specialists.
“Hope Medical Clinic continues to play an important role in our community,” said Highmark Delaware President Tim Constantine. “Thanks to the services provided by its volunteers, the uninsured have access to care that they may not otherwise receive.”
Hope Medical Clinic was founded in 2003 as an initiative of the Association of Pilipino American Physicians of Delaware (APAPD). The APAPD group travels to the Philippines at least once each year on a medical mission, and created Hope Medical Clinic as its local mission. Since its inception, more than 3,500 patients have received care at the clinic, which operates in donated space provided by the Modern Maturity Center.
“We are the only clinic in Delaware that is free for eligible patients,” said Hope Medical Clinic medical director and co-founder Dr. Vicenta Marquez. “I’m overwhelmed by its growth as we see a continuous increase in volume and demand for services. The financial support from the community and dedicated professional volunteers has made it possible for us to keep up with this increased demand.”
Hope Medical Clinic is staffed by more than 30 volunteers, including physicians, nurses, surgeons, a podiatrist, a counselor, dentists, dental hygienists and office staff. Patients receive medical exams, tests, dental care, medications and even minor surgeries — all at no cost.
“In addition to the medical and dental services we provide, we focus on educating our patients,” said Dr. Marquez. “Many of our patients are dealing with such chronic health conditions as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Education is a part of their treatment.” For more information about BluePrints for the Community, visit www.highmark.com/BluePrintsfortheCommunity
