Why Free Healthcare?
Smithville is a unique place where people work hard to get things done. Government, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and citizens work together as a team to improve the quality of life for all. This partnership model has been highly effective. “It’s Possible in Smithville” is the rallying cry of the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce largely because community members take full advantage of state, federal, commercial and foundation program funding in an effort to maximize resources available here, particularly volunteer skills and time. These partnerships have all contributed to build a strong culture of health.
Many of our citizens need further education and training, better economic opportunities, and assistance to give them a “leg up” from people willing to give. People are generous here and come together to solve issues related to those social determinants of health and welfare.
The Smithville Community Clinic sees over 400 patients a year at an average cost of $70.00 per patient. This includes vital sign screening (ht/wt, blood glucose, blood pressure, urinalysis and A1Cs), mental health screening and a visit with the physician. All of this is done 46 Saturdays per year. Patients are encouraged to make donations for their services. This saves the patient money and eliminates the need for a costly emergency room visit at the local hospital.
“The declining health of Americans is a crisis. In the last 30 years, the number of overweight/obese kids in the U.S has tripled and 1/3 of all American kids born in the year 2000 are projected to develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Healthcare costs are soaring showing that 96% of the dollars are being spent on health care and only 4% for prevention.” Further proof was revealed in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2017 County Health Rankings and Road maps which provided us a snapshot of Bastrop County’s health rankings. The health rankings/outcomes revealed significant gaps and provided opportunities for improving the health of our community.
After reviewing the report, the Smithville Community Clinic (SCC) in collaboration with the Smithville Whole Health Partnership (SWHP) decided to focus on one life-threatening factor: metabolic syndrome, specifically diabetes. Since June of 2017, the clinic has offered two free 12-week diabetic outreach program for their patients. Beginning September 17, 2018, the 4th Fast Track to Health diabetic outreach program which will be for 18 weeks is open to patients and the community.
In addition, the clinic has added mental health screening as part of our process. All patients are screened for depression and anxiety using the DSM-5 Self Rated 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure - Adult, American Psychiatric Association. When required patients are referred to Bluebonnet Mental Health in Bastrop.
Better health equals enhanced life satisfaction and productivity within the community. We believe in the City of Smithville’s mantra, the Iron Tigers Gym motto and our Smithville Whole Health Partnership’s catchphrase: “It’s Possible in Smithville” to be a” healthier version of you” on board the “Fast Track to Health.”
Many of our citizens need further education and training, better economic opportunities, and assistance to give them a “leg up” from people willing to give. People are generous here and come together to solve issues related to those social determinants of health and welfare.
The Smithville Community Clinic sees over 400 patients a year at an average cost of $70.00 per patient. This includes vital sign screening (ht/wt, blood glucose, blood pressure, urinalysis and A1Cs), mental health screening and a visit with the physician. All of this is done 46 Saturdays per year. Patients are encouraged to make donations for their services. This saves the patient money and eliminates the need for a costly emergency room visit at the local hospital.
“The declining health of Americans is a crisis. In the last 30 years, the number of overweight/obese kids in the U.S has tripled and 1/3 of all American kids born in the year 2000 are projected to develop Type 2 diabetes in their lifetime. Healthcare costs are soaring showing that 96% of the dollars are being spent on health care and only 4% for prevention.” Further proof was revealed in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2017 County Health Rankings and Road maps which provided us a snapshot of Bastrop County’s health rankings. The health rankings/outcomes revealed significant gaps and provided opportunities for improving the health of our community.
After reviewing the report, the Smithville Community Clinic (SCC) in collaboration with the Smithville Whole Health Partnership (SWHP) decided to focus on one life-threatening factor: metabolic syndrome, specifically diabetes. Since June of 2017, the clinic has offered two free 12-week diabetic outreach program for their patients. Beginning September 17, 2018, the 4th Fast Track to Health diabetic outreach program which will be for 18 weeks is open to patients and the community.
In addition, the clinic has added mental health screening as part of our process. All patients are screened for depression and anxiety using the DSM-5 Self Rated 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure - Adult, American Psychiatric Association. When required patients are referred to Bluebonnet Mental Health in Bastrop.
Better health equals enhanced life satisfaction and productivity within the community. We believe in the City of Smithville’s mantra, the Iron Tigers Gym motto and our Smithville Whole Health Partnership’s catchphrase: “It’s Possible in Smithville” to be a” healthier version of you” on board the “Fast Track to Health.”