Medical clinic concept taking shape

A local citizens' group, headed by Dr. Peter Magnus, met Thursday to further explore and justify support for a free community medical clinic.

The meeting was held over tea and fortune cookies at SOJI Noodle & Rice. Several health professionals were in attendance with backgrounds ranging from counselors, registered nurses, an optometrist and a family therapist. Magnus expressed his feelings about the unmet need and accessibility to alternative health care in Sisters.

The aim will be to provide uninsured or underinsured residents access to a wide range of health care options including dental, optical, mental health, and basic medical.

"Our goal would be to have a clinic one day or half a day a week and people could pay or if they couldn't, that's fine too," Magnus stated.

Right now, the group is searching for a suitable location and several options were discussed.

"We're looking at churches, residences, places to rent, or even buy should government grant money become available," Magnus said.

If the clinic does manifest into something tangible, Magnus wants to make sure there will be consistent care available. Some of the questions posed by the group regarded possible insurance and risk management concerns, county involvement, as well as minimum space needed. If they can find someone in the community willing to donate space, Magnus believes they could jumpstart a medical clinic immediately.

"We're trying to do good for the community and encourage more people to come out for the next meeting. These are the neo-natal stages of a healthcare delivery system that will hopefully grow by leaps and bounds," he said.

The next meeting will be at SOJI Noodle & Rice on Thursday, April 23 at 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Dr. Magnus at 383-9025 or call 549-1876.