This week's program is about the partnership between Everett Community College and Washington State University. WSU joined the EvCC University Center two and a half years ago. Bob Drewell is the Chancellor of the WSU Everett University Center. He will tell us how the partnership works and what the benefits are for the students and community.
Contest: Name the location from where the photo at the top of the bulletin and website home page was taken. Be the first to send your guess to the Editor by Friday, April 3rd, 7:30 am.
Over the past few years our club has had a variety of programs about health care. Last Friday's program was about a concept founded in 2008 on providing health care to the underinsured or uninsurable. One of the leaders of the Safe Harbor Free Clinic is Julie Vess who has been the Clinic's Executive Director the past four and a half years. Julie is a member of the Rotary Club of Stanwood as well.
The reasons uninsured adults ages 18-64 are varied with the largest issue being the financial burden. Others just plain do not want health care insurance and would rather pay the fine imposed by the Affordable Healthcare Act. Because of this, 1 in 3 Americans has put off seeking medical treatment in 2014 which according to a Gallop poll in November 2014 is higher than the previous year. One of the issues is that 13% of Americans with health insurance spend 10% of their annual income on out-of-pocket health care costs.
Safe Harbor Free Clinic was inspired by Dr. James Grierson, who after taking many trips to third world countries to offer free healthcare wondered why he wasn't doing it in his own backyard. The first clinic night started in 2009 because of his interest, desire and fortitude.He began seeing patients on a first come first serve basis on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month. They eventually expanded adding specialty clinics and are open every Friday night. Soon that would change and the Clinic is now open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights and includes a Dental Clinic once a month.
There patients are from Snohomish County with Stanwood at 48%, Marysville at 13%, Everett at 12%, Arlington at 13%, Lake Stevens at 6% and Snohomish at 2%.Safe Harbor Free Clinic has a new facility and its own building. The Safe Harbor Free Clinic offers treatment of illnesses and injuries; referral to other resources and specialty care; on-site laboratory services; help with free or low cost medication with no qualifications to receive any of their services and especially important is that anyone can receive care, regardless of insurance status. The clinic is located at 7209 265th St. NW Unit #203 in Stanwood.
Julie Vess has been in the medical field for 30 years. Prior to volunteering with the Clinic she ran her own bookkeeping business for 10 years. Another fantastic program.
One of the graduation requirements for Lake Stevens High School Seniors is to present their "Culminating Exhibition" before a panel. This exhibition is a celebration of a student's growth and learning while he or she has been in high school. The next session is scheduled for Noon on Friday, April 3rd. If you would be interested in being a panelist, contact Kim LaFortune at the high school.
The Lake Stevens Rotary Club is pleased to announce that the 2015 Rotary Club Scholarships are now being accepted. The applicants must be Seniors at Lake Stevens High School or a member of the Lake Stevens School District Home Link program. The application form is available at the Club website as well as via this link. Questions can be directed to Scholarship Committee Chairman James Monroe.
Members are being asked to sign up for the various tasks that need to be handled for our fundraiser to be successful. Many of you have already taken on some of the tasks. This is an All Hands On Deck event. Everything from Setup to Tear down is still available. Click on this link. You must be logged in to sign up for the tasks. Also, keep selling tickets for the Tasting. This will be great event. Thank you to everyone who has worked hard on preparing for this.
"I have observed private and proprietary colleges, like the University of Phoenix, and the market they serve. And I found it intriguing the way in which they are trying to deliver the product, with more accountability, for a price."
