Grace Clinic in Kennewick, a Christian-based clinic, is planning to add staff and increase their hours over the next year. For the last four years Dr. Jeanne Berretta has been volunteering her services, beginning in June she will be paid. By the end of 2010 Grace Clinic will increase their hours from Tuesday afternoons, Fridays, and Saturdays to be open five days a week. The clinic, which began in 2002, is the second largest free clinic in the state, they offer medical and dental care, a prescription assistance program, and a food cupboard and counseling. Currently they serve 400 patients every month and about 100 families every month come in for food assistance. The clinic serves the residents of Benton and Franklin Counties and Burbank who meet the federal poverty guidelines and lack insurance, most are unemployed. Those seeking care do not have to discuss their religious beliefs but there is information available for those interested. Services not offered at the clinic are, abortions or physician-assisted suicide, because of the clinics religious beliefs. They also do not prescribe narcotics or birth control because both require continual care. The current annual budget for the clinic is about $440,000, because of the added physician and hours this year the budget will probably increase by about $200,000. Funding for the clinic comes from individual donors, organizations, and United Way, in May there will be a golf tournament fundraiser, the cost is $500 per team. If the clinic didn’t exist 52% of patients said they wouldn’t go anywhere else. For more information about the clinic call 509.735.2300.
Leave A Comment