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Providence Hood River - Giving Back |
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Elea Mont-Eton of Hood River is a single mom with two teenage kids, a busy schedule, no health insurance and no primary care physician. Her first Providence experience was inside the Mobile Health Unit, a colorful, converted recreational vehicle, parked at the Pine Grove Fire Department.
“At first I was skeptical about a clinic inside an RV,” said Mont-Eton, “but it’s impeccable – it’s like a tiny little doctor’s office in a bus, it’s sort of a mobile ER. "They took such great care of me. I just can’t say enough good things about my experience.
“I tell people all the time about the convenience of the Providence Mobile Health Unit,” said Mont-Eton. “You don’t have to make an appointment or worry about having insurance. "They help you get the care you need. And the best part is, it is free.”
Mont-Eton says she’s amazed at how well the Mobile Health Unit serves those who may feel there is nowhere else to go but the emergency room. She has visited the unit several times and found, when needed, she is referred to more specialized care from local physicians, clinics and Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital.
“"The first time I visited the Mobile Health Unit, I had abdominal pain and could not get an appointment with a doctor,” Mont-Eton said. “"The Health Department told me about the Mobile Health Unit so I drove to Pine Grove where they were seeing patients. "ey evaluated me and admitted me to Providence Hood River for evaluation and treatment. I spent the night in the hospital and got the care I needed. ”
Mont-Eton recalled another visit. “One time I couldn’t talk or swallow and my throat was really sore. "e mobile unit staff saw me first and then helped me get in to see doctors Drs. Serra and Cushing at La Clinica del Carino. Dr. Serra came with me and admitted me to Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital within an hour,” said Mon-Eton.
A large network of Gorge community physicians such as Dr. Serra provide care and services at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, allowing them to stay connected with their patient’s care as hospital specialists provide advanced treatment.
Mont-Eton has been seen and evaluated by a number of providers and specialists. She has also been treated at various Providence clinics and facilities, all of which provided her with a connected experience of care.
People without health insurance can apply for financial assistance, and may be eligible to obtain additional free or discounted medical services and supplies at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and health clinics. In Mont-Eton’s case, all of the visits, treatments, hospitalization, lab work, prescriptions and consultation of medical specialists were waived by Providence.
In 2007, Providence Hood River provided more than $3.3 million dollars in free or discounted services, donations and program sponsorships to Gorge communities. In the same year, Providence Health & Services gave back $145 million dollars in community benefits to communities throughout Oregon. “Providence’s Mobile Health Unit, financial assistanceprograms, community partnerships and donations help Providence keep our Mission in motion,” said Mark "Thomas, director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care at Providence Hood River.
“Our Mission is to provide quality, compassionate care for everyone. "The health and wholeness of each of us depends upon the health and wholeness of all of us. We hold special regard for those who are poor and vulnerable,” said "Thomas. “At Providence, we envision a world where more can flourish and that’s why we insist that health care is a basic human right and not just a privilege for those who can afford it.”
View our 2007 Community Benefits Report
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