Health & Wellness: Family HealthCare Clinic

from bmonthly March 2020

Healthcare Innovations: Med Club Bartlesville

Family HealthCare Clinic

Providing Medical Care and Health Education

by Stevie Williams

Imagine if you felt as though you had no option for health care when you have a fever, or are trying to manage your diabetes, or you find a lump in your breast and fear the worst. What if you tried to ignore the symptoms because you couldn’t afford a trip to the doctor or urgent care? Now imagine the relief and comfort if you found somewhere that could offer you quality care at an affordable rate, with appointments easily available, and it was close by. This is exactly what Family HealthCare Clinic has been offering our community since 1984.

“I feel like more than just a numbered patient at Family HealthCare Clinic,” shared a current patient. “They thoroughly discuss any issues I have and aren’t rushed to get you in and out. The staff is super friendly and I truly feel cared for when I leave the office. If it weren’t for Family HealthCare Clinic, I probably would dismiss going to the doctor at all.”

FHC is a medical clinic with a focus on care for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or those on state supported insurance. “We treat patients of all ages at an affordable rate,” said Molly Collins, executive director. “Our goal is to provide a caring, welcoming environment in a private setting. We have two nurse practitioners who collectively have more

than 50 years of experience between them. They are knowledgeable and compassionate providers.”

FHC treats colds and flu, respiratory conditions, ear and sinus infections, diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and more. FHC also provides cancer screenings, exams for reproductive health, tuberculosis skin tests, sports physicals, and low-cost labs.

In addition, FHC ensures that women and men who are unable to pay for mammograms receive the potentially lifesaving screening at no cost. Patients come to FHC for an exam and are given a coupon to go to Jane Phillips Medical Center Radiological Services for the mammogram. FHC then pays for the mammogram screening.

The mammogram program is fully funded through the Family HealthCare Clinic’s Miles for Mammogram 5K fundraiser, held annually in September. “Without a mammogram’s ability to detect cancer at early stages, I would not have known that I had cancer,” shared Jennifer Fenstermaker, 2019 Miles for Mammograms Honorary Chairperson. “If you haven’t already, please talk to your medical provider and find out when you should add mammograms to your preventive care. Don’t wait until it is too late.” Miles for Mammograms 5K will celebrate its 12th year on Saturday, September 26.

Health education programs are also important outreach initiatives for this United Way organization. Janice Shippy, APRN, DNP, one of FHC’s nurse practitioners, has been giving presentations at the Bartlesville Public Library on such topics as Managing Your Diabetes and Heart Health. For 20 years, FHC’s Patty Leach has been teaching Teen Pregnancy Prevention classes to middle school students with a focus on abstinence and self esteem.

A mammogram helped Jennifer Fenstermaker detect cancer early.

“Family HealthCare Clinic has evolved over the years, and we continue to grow and support the needs of our community,” stated Collins. “We want to be the medical provider where people can go when they are sick or have chronic medical conditions, but also the clinic that reaches out to the community and offers tools to show people how to stay well and live a healthy lifestyle.”

Family HealthCare Clinic is located at 1820 W. Hensley Blvd. For more information on appointments, outreach programs, free mammograms, or to schedule an appointment, please call 918-336-4822. You can also visit their website, www.familyhealthcareclinic.org or www.milesformammograms.org or on facebook @FamilyHealthcareClinic or @MilesForMammograms.