It’s time to “SHINE THE LIGHT!”
As the holidays approach, it’s the perfect time to look back and reflect on the past year…and what a year it’s been! We are incredibly grateful for all that has happened over the last several months, and we are more excited than ever about what’s possible. While we have the hope of a bright future, for many, life can be relatively dark. That is why we hope you will help “Shine The Light” for our neighbors in need. Simply make a donation to the Good Samaritan Clinic in honor or memory of your friends and loved ones, and we will send festive acknowledgment cards to the recipients on your list. This is a beautiful way to honor special people in your life, while also providing healing, hope, and light to those who need it most.
After more than a year of planning and preparation, the Good Samaritan Clinic relocated to 1400 S. Zero Street (Fort Smith) in June. Because of our new location and better visibility, we saw an automatic increase in the number of walk-ins and new patients. Even though we have been serving our community since 2003, many people have just discovered us, and are utilizing our services for the first time. From day one in our new facility, the feedback we have received from patients has been incredibly positive. They are enjoying the spacious lobby as well as the numerous exam rooms, expanded lab, and convenient parking. We are thrilled to be serving our community in such a beautiful clinic, and though the updated building and the attractive rooms are wonderful, the thing that our patients appreciate most is the high quality of care that they receive.
Good Samaritan Clinic Medical Director Dr. Leslie Ziegler is one of our fantastic physicians providing outstanding care, and she was recently on the receiving end of some high praise from a very satisfied patient. Camila is a middle-aged Hispanic woman who came to the clinic because of a recurring issue with her toe. She had been to other clinics before, and the procedures she needed had always been incredibly painful. She was absolutely thrilled with the care she received from the Good Samaritan Clinic team, and was elated that Dr. Ziegler kept her out of pain both during and after the procedure. Because she was treated with such professionalism and kindness, Camila loves referring her friends and family to the Good Samaritan Clinic.
Greg is another grateful patient who claims that the Good Samaritan Clinic and its staff are “the best of the best.” When he first came to the clinic, he was out of work and out of money. Greg said, “The clinic was there for me when I really needed it.” Initially he received help regulating his blood pressure, and a short time later, he began utilizing our optical services. After getting an eye exam and a new pair of glasses, Greg was able to more effectively perform his duties as a carpenter. He said, “This place has been a blessing; this is healthcare that really cares.” While he appreciates their expertise, he added that he also likes the way that the doctors help train local medical students…or as he likes to call them “the medical experts of the future.”
Marissa, one of those future “medical experts” is a 4th year ARCOM med student. After completing her month-long clinical rotation with us during her 3rd year of medical school, she knew that she wanted to come back for more; so she did. Marissa just completed another 4-week rotation at Good Sam because she enjoys the “hands on” approach and loves helping perform procedures ranging from steroid injections to lipoma removal. “There is clearly a big need for healthcare for the uninsured, and it’s rewarding to help people who truly do not have other options.”
These stories are just a small sampling of what we see and experience here on a daily basis. And while we love having more patients and a larger building, growth and progress come with a high cost. Our utilities, supplies and general overhead expenses have all increased significantly. That is why we need you. If you are ready to help improve the health and wellbeing of the uninsured in the River Valley and beyond, then please choose to “Shine The Light.” Simply send a donation to the Good Samaritan Clinic in the amount of your choice, along with a list of people (and their addresses) that you wish to honor or remember this holiday season. We will send each person or family on your list a card acknowledging your generous gift. (The donation amount will not be listed on the card.) “Shine The Light” is a wonderful way to celebrate friends, family, colleagues, clients, neighbors and more. Simply send in your donation, your list of recipients (with their addresses), and leave the rest to us! Questions? Call 479-783-0233.
Poet John Holmes said, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” We appreciate your willingness to lift up those who are in need. Thank you for making the season brighter for others by choosing to “Shine The Light.”