Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

It’s incredible to note that Salem Free Clinic is now celebrating its 20^th anniversary.

My wife and I attend a church in Salem, Oregon – Salem Alliance – that led the way to create the Free Clinic.  I am not proposing credit other to contend that the creation was an example of “putting feet to the gospel of Christ.”

And, eventually, 70 other churches in Salem rose up to provide support, both in the forms of volunteerism and money.

In Marion and Polk Counties where we live, approximately 35,000 people do not have health insurance and many more do not have access to healthcare.  There also are many working individuals who earn too much to be eligible for Medicaid or other state benefits, but cannot afford their own health insurance.

On top of that, there are many who may hold insurance but are unable to afford high costs or obtain an appointment in a timely fashion, a challenge many of us face.

Enter the Free Clinic.

About itself, the Free Clinic says this:

“…we are devoted to meeting the vital medical needs of the uninsured in our community.  The success of our mission can be attributed to our generous supporters and our team of over 200 volunteers, who not only provide care for our patients’ conditions but offer them the gift of hope which has the power to transform lives.”

Here’s just a bit of background on the Clinic:

2010 – Moved to Broadway Commons, its current location

With support from Salem Alliance Church, the Clinic moved into a permanent facility inside Broadway Commons located at 1300 Broadway Street NE.

2011 – Started Salem Free Counseling Clinic and Polk Community Free Clinic

A partnership with Corban University Graduate Counseling Program began to establish Salem Free Counseling Clinic.

2012 – Expanded Specialties

With the rise of diabetes and the many complications that come with it, the Clinic began a specialty program specifically designed for patients with diabetes.

2024 – PCFC moves to Monmouth

Polk Community Free Clinic moves to the new Polk County Family and Community Outreach Building better to serve the rural population.

And this in conclusion:

“Today we are celebrating 20 years!  For two decades, Salem Free Clinics has provided compassionate, high-quality healthcare to those in our community who need it most.  While looking back and appreciating this exciting milestone, we’re also looking ahead with eager anticipation.

Plus, this footnote:

My wife told me a story this morning about a development in a program we support, Free Water for Kenya.  The program arose because of interest from a woman in a Bible study here in the California desert, a study in which my wife participates.

While traveling in Kenya a few years ago, the woman saw a need and began trying to meet it – providing water and other staples for the needy in that country.

The other day it turned out that she needed $200 to help a Kenyan family re-build their kitchen that had been destroyed in a storm.  She prayed and, then, my wife, without any knowledge of this situation, gave more money to this program and, yes, it was for $200.

It was clearly, “a God thing,” just as has been true of Salem Free Clinic now for 20 years.