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Problem Solver

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jbrown@wmbb.com

Monday, May 21, 2007

Community Medical Center Needs Help

Bay County is fortunate to have a medical center that offers free assistance to qualified patients.  But the problem now is that there is a growing list of patients that need to see a dentist at the facility and can’t.  When we found out about the problem...we decided to search for a possible solution.  Details of what we learned in this Problem Solver report.

The St. Andrew Community Medical Center is a ministry of St. Andrew Baptist Church in Panama City.  In addition to medical help, it also provides dental services to qualified, economically disadvantaged people of our area at no charge.  The center depends on volunteers to make it all happen.  But, the list of dental patients, now over 700, is growing...and there are not enough dentists there to see them.

“We only have two or three half days a week that have dentists and we need to have all week covered or more half days.,” says Dr. Cindy Moore.  She is one of seven dentists who regularly volunteer their time to see patients at St. Andrew Medical Center.  Five others have agreed to take qualified patients at their offices.  But, Dr. Moore says due to the long list of patients, the center is only able to provide basic treatment and emergency care.  Dr. Moore says, “You see how much need there is and you just can’t do it all.  If we just had more people to help we could get more done.”

Dr. Moore says additional volunteers are also needed such as dental assistants and hygienists.  “They can help us get the preliminary material ready...they can help clean the patients teeth...help teach them learn prevention,” says Dr. Moore.
Dr. Moore says even if dentists and other dental professionals are willing to donate each week, every two weeks or even once a month the results could be very beneficial to those in need.

Dr. Moore has been recognized for her volunteer community service by receiving a News 13 Jefferson Award earlier this year.

She says in addition to dental volunteers, St. Andrew Medical Center also needs supplies.  That’s where you can help.  The center needs tooth brushes, toothpaste, ibuprofen, Tylenol, and other items.  If you can help, the center is located at 1616 Cincinnati Avenue in Panama City.  The phone number is 785-1419.

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