Olde Towne Medical and Dental Center

This post is the next in my series about people helping people in Williamsburg.

The United States health care system ranks last overall among 11 high-income countries, according to the nonprofit Commonwealth Fund.  https://www.webmd.com/health-insurance/news/20210804/us-health-system-ranks-last-among-11-high-income-countries  This organization has ranked countries’ health systems seven times since 2004, and the US has come in last each time.  The results show that the US has the highest infant mortality rate and the lowest life expectancy of all the countries surveyed.  Here are the rankings:

1. Norway

2. The Netherlands

3. Australia

4. The UK

5. Germany

6. New Zealand

7. Sweden

8. France

9. Switzerland

10. Canada

11. The United States

One of the factors contributing to this poor showing by the United States is that half (50%) of lower-income adults and 27% of higher-income adults say costs keep them from getting needed health care.  In no other country does income inequality so profoundly limit access to care.

Given this situation, it is not surprising that access to affordable healthcare presents significant problems to Americans whose employers don’t provide health insurance and who are unable to afford health insurance on the open market.  In Williamsburg, Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center helps fill this gap.

Olde Towne Medical & Dental Center (OTMDC) was formed in 1993 to address the needs of Greater Williamsburg's uninsured and medically underserved residents. OTMDC was established as a public-private, non-profit, 501(c)3 agency with a mission "to provide quality, cost-effective, coordinated and preventative primary health care to clients, regardless of ability to pay."

Today, OTMDC is a Rural Health Center operated as a family practice staffed by a Medical Director, Dental Director, Clinical Director, Physician, and Dental Assistants. In addition, extensive volunteer community support includes 11 physicians, 16 dentists, and 45 other non-medical individuals who provide on average over 650 volunteer hours per month.  It is a “safety net” clinic for those without health care insurance, or with Medicare or Medicaid, in Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. Services include dentistry, primary medical care for children & adults, hearing and vision screenings; chronic disease care, mental health counseling; referrals for specialty treatment, and assistance in obtaining free or low-cost prescriptions.

Innovative programs such as Chronic Care address issues with diabetes and asthma and the Medication Access Program which provides access to low-cost medications have evolved to better serve OTMDC patients. OTMDC is also an integral part of the community Project Care initiative which brings together local physicians to coordinate care across multiple disciplines.

Currently, on average, OTMDC provides more than 1,350 medical and dental patient visits per month to uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid and Medicare residents. Services continue to expand to address growing community needs.

According to its website, these are the services it provides:

Newborn/ Toddlers and Growing Child Care

OTMDC provides routine checks on weight, growth and general health of babies and children. Caring staff can answer many questions about infant and child health, from which vaccines are important for babies and children to what to do in an emergency. The objective is to provide the very best care for children. Information on how to reach the doctor between visits is provided.

School and Sports Physicals

OTMDC provides physicals that meet all requirements necessary for school entrance and for participation in sports.

Routine Woman's and Men's Healthcare

• Family planning –OTMDC provides individuals and families with information to help them make the best decision on the size of their family.

• Gynecology – OTMDC provides a full range of specialty services for women including cervical screenings, Pap smears and clinical breast exams. Patients are referred to specialists as needed.

• Obstetrics – OTMDC offers guidance and support throughout a woman's pregnancy. Patients are referred to one of our volunteer physicians for the actual delivery of the baby.

• Prostate Health - This very important area of men's health is offered with referrals to area doctors as needed.

Chronic Disease Care helps to manage ongoing conditions such as:

DIABETES

Controlling blood sugar through meal planning, proper exercise and possibly taking medication are essential in any diabetes management plan. Patients receive individual sessions and group classes for advice on these topics and many others as they build their diabetes management plan in conjunction with their OTMDC healthcare provider.

 ASTHMA

Patients discuss options with their healthcare provider to determine their current condition and how best to reduce daily problems in dealing with asthma.

 HEART DISEASE

Education is the key to reducing additional damage to the heart. Patients are given information on how to change and improve their diets and increase exercise.

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Controlling high blood pressure reduces the risk of more serious complications. OTMDC prescribes positive steps to lower blood pressure, such as lifestyle changes and treatment options. OTMDC staff will work to develop a plan to improve diet, increase exercise, stop smoking, and reduce stress. If lifestyle changes are not effective, the healthcare provider may prescribe medication.

This center claims that no one is turned away for inability to pay.  When new patients sign up, they are asked for income information; charges are assessed on a sliding scale.  Those at the lowest income level are charged $10  for a medical visit and $20 for a dental visit.  Vaccinations are provided in an Immunization Clinic every Tuesday from 9-11 AM and from 2-4 PM.

As you would expect, this center relies on volunteers and donations to function.  I have several friends who volunteer for this organization.  They are medical professionals, but the center also needs general administrative and translation help as well.  You can find out more about this at their website https://www.oldetownemedicalcenter.org/.

If you don’t live in Williamsburg, there is almost certainly an organization near you that provides free or low-cost medical care.  Check it out.