Non-profit of the Month: March 2010 - Venice Family Clinic

Regardless of one's view of the newly passed health bill, I think we can all agree that there are folks who could use some help.

Thus, I'm directing a donation to the Venice Family Clinic.

Here is their story:

Mission
To provide free, quality health care to people in need.

History
Founded in 1970 in a borrowed storefront dental office, the Clinic has grown into the largest free clinic in the nation. Founder Phillip Rossman, MD, and co-founder Mayer B. Davidson, MD, called upon friends and colleagues to help. That spirit of volunteerism prevails today with more than 1,500 volunteers and $11.3 million in-kind contributions from hospitals, laboratories, specialty-care providers and pharmaceutical companies.

Programs and Services
The Clinic provides comprehensive primary health care, specialty care, dental care, mental health services, health education and child development services, as well as public insurance enrollment to more than 23,500 patients, including approximately 5,800 children, who make nearly 100,000 visits annually. Prescription medicines are provided at no charge.

Patients
Patients, most of whom live and work in the Westside neighborhoods of Venice, Mar Vista, Santa Monica, Culver City, and Inglewood, are low-income and lack private health insurance. Sixteen percent of the Clinic's patients are homeless.

Regardless of political affiliation or religious beliefs/non-belief, I think we can all agree that this kind of good work deserves support and praise.