Published: March 3, 2015
The Sparrow Medical Group Volunteers of America (SMG VOA) practice marks its first anniversary today, having provided care to the area’s homeless and logged more than 3,000 Patient visits.
The SMG VOA practice is believed to be the first in Michigan based in a homeless service center.
“It has been a joy to be able to take away some of the barriers to health care these Patients have experienced in the past,” said Lynn Nevin, M.D., SMG VOA Medical Director. “In our second year, we are looking to expand upon our initial success and to continue Sparrow’s mission of providing quality, compassionate care to everyone, every time.”
With the practice established as one part of the array of services available at Volunteers of America Michigan, staff members report seeing better overall results with their clients.
“It is a common sense and compassionate solution that makes Lansing a better community,” said Patrick Patterson, Executive Vice President for Volunteers of America Michigan. “These are folks who most overcome a variety of obstacles. The partnership has been a blessing.”
One Physician, a Physician assistant, Nurse manager, and five medical assistants care for and assist Patients at the SMG VOA practice.
During the first year there were:
- More than 3,100 Patient visits
- Nearly 80 diabetic Patients seen
- Tobacco screenings performed on 100 percent of practice Patients
“We are helping Patients regain control over health issues that have plagued them for years,” said Joseph Ruth, Sparrow Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “This practice has been a catalyst for helping us improve the health and quality of life of the people in our region. It makes me proud to be part of Sparrow.”
Among other initiatives, Delta Dental has partnered with Volunteers of America Michigan to build and begin planning to open a four-chair dental clinic next door to the practice. Sparrow is among the groups helping plan the clinic.
Sparrow Financial Assistance Specialists have been on-site at Volunteers of America Michigan to assist with applications for Healthy Michigan and Health Insurance Marketplace applications as well as to review eligibility for Sparrow’s Community Financial aid program.
Healthy Michigan, Medicaid and the Health Insurance Marketplace cover routine things like office visits, prescription drugs, diagnostics test, medical equipment, urgent care and even emergency services for the homeless Patients.