CLINIC FOR LOW-INCOME KIDS WELCOME ADDITION

A new clinic at the Cape Girardeau County Health Department will extend basic medical care to children of low-income families. It's a service that's long overdue.

Currently, nearly 2,500 children in Cape Girardeau County have no family doctor and must seek treatment for even minor illnesses at hospital emergencies rooms. That's not the place for treating such minor acute illnesses like ear infections or colds. It drives up the cost of medical care. It also crowds hospital emergencies rooms with non-emergencies.

The clinic will open Monday and will operate in much the same way as a doctor's office. The difference will be in the clinic's funding base. Thanks to a five-year grant from the Missouri Department of Health, the clinic doesn't have to make money, and that means it will be very cost effective for low-income families seeking medical care.

After Jan. 1, a clinic will be expanded to Bollinger County one day a week.

For each of the first three years, the department will receive $30,000, with $20,000 the fourth year, and $10,000 the fifth year. The grant will not cover total operation costs. The first year is estimated at $120,000 alone. Medicaid payments and some federal money will augment the budget.

Local physicians welcome the service, and that's important. Many are not taking new Medicaid patients, and they well realize the void in service. Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center have been supportive as well. St. Francis will provide labor services, and Southeast has made a financial contribution toward start-up costs. The local medical society also voted to support the clinic and has made a donation toward the operation. Support from the medical community is critical for the clinic's success.

Cape Girardeau would be at the cutting edge of this service in Missouri. Only about a dozen primary care clinics operate in the state, with only three targeting children. Planning for the clinic has been in the works for three years.

This clinic is cost effective for both families of these children and the taxpayers as well. Clinic staff will help parents focus on such important issues as prevention and intervention. This education should help keep kids healthier, which will save Medicaid dollars.

Nancy Mosley, a certified pediatric nurse practitioner with considerable experience, will see the children. In addition, 14 doctors have agreed to serve as back up on a rotating basis. She will be assisted by a community health nurse and clerical person.

The Cape Girardeau County Health Department is a natural home for the clinic. It has offered effective weekly immunization clinics and well-child care. We welcome this service to Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties. Our children are the real winners.