Private efforts for underserved people
The newly formed Sacramento Community Cancer Coalition has started to grant prostate screening for those underserved populations. In addition, most of the underserved people are black men, who are estimated to be twice more likely to die of prostate cancer than white men. As the most common cancer among American men, prostate cancer can also significantly benefit from early detection and treatment.
This new organization is just a brainchild of Dr. Darry1 Hunter, which has partnership with VSP, a Rancho Cordova-based vision insurance provider. Through this cooperation, Hunter provides free eyeglasses to those underserved people in the means of two recreational vehicles as mini optometry offices run by VSP. The two portable clinics travel around the nation and give comprehensive eye exams as well as taking glass orders from patients. The VSP mobile clinic is airy and wood-paneled inside. There are also a wall of eyeglasses and fully equipped exam rooms. People without health insurance can receive vision exam and an additional prostate exam if they want.
UC Davis medical school students also run another program weekly in the Oak Park neighborhood, which is known as Saturday’s clinic. In conjunction with the free Imani clinic, Saturday’s clinic also cooperates with 11 organizations including the African American Prostate Cancer Initiative and 100 Black Men of Sacramento Inc.
Organizers of Saturday’s clinic also make use of the common sense that most people trust message from a neighbor, a friend or a congregant. They have been finding connection methods that a particular community can relate to. However, all nonprofit organizations are hurting now and the staff of Saturday’s clinic has to share resources with others. It is also ensured that the benefit to the community is actually increased.
These private efforts are expected to bear much of the brunt of health care for uninsured individuals and please those people.
From: www.eyeoverheard.com