Pike County Health Fund can help
Provider of free health care for those in need locally MILFORD While health care remains one of the most talked about issues in America, and many families struggle to pay for even the most basic medical services, the Pike County Health Fund exists to address the growing health care needs of local children, seniors and working families who are uninsured or under-insured. The Pike County Health Fund was established in 2003 by the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation, spearheaded by Foundation Board Members Joseph Biondo, Sr. and Michael Dickerson. “We were exploring how to better serve our community,” says Biondo, Sr. “and it was important to know that the funds raised would be specifically used to provide free services to the people of Pike County.” “Joe and Mike gathered an initial group of about 50 Pike County business leaders and residents to discuss the project,” says Biondo’s wife Ronnie, who worked together with Waldman to energize the Pike County Health Fund and establish its initial screenings and educational programs. The team created the successful “Gowns and Downs” event, a two-day benefit held on Kentucky Derby weekend, which included a black-tie dinner party, derby party, live auction and raffle. In its first year Gowns and Downs grossed over $74,000 and exceeded $140,000 by 2006. Bolstered by its strong local leadership and fundraising efforts, The Pike County Health Fund offers an ongoing schedule of free diagnostic testing and screenings at the Milford Health & Wellness Center. “The program began by offering about six different types of tests throughout the year, and has grown to offer about 33 types of tests annually,” says Waldman. In 2006, the fund’s offerings expanded to include the Pike County Teen Alcohol and Drug Resource Center, which provides services to adolescents and their families who are coping with substance-abuse behaviors. Under the direction of Mary Stanley, MSW, LCSW, the program encompasses outreach, education and consultation; family services; evaluations; and referrals for follow-up services. In 2008, the Pike County Health Fund established a partnership with Safe Haven, Inc. of Pike County to offer interim health care services to victims of domestic violence who reside in a “safe house” environment. All services are provided at the Milford Health & Wellness Center. In 2008, the Pike County Health Fund was able to hire its first employee, Regional Representative, Janet Rancati RN, to promote programs and assist with fundraising. Rancati developed the “Just Ducky Derby” event in 2009, which grossed more than $10,000. The fund’s current schedule of free medical tests includes screenings for blood glucose, colorectal cancer, depression, foot health, lipid profile, lung capacity, mammography, nutritional assessment, osteoporosis, and prostate cancer. “The free programs are working well,” adds Ronnie Biondo. “We hope for greater growth of the Pike County Health Fund, and ultimately we hope more people will become aware of the services and will access them.” For a complete schedule of diagnostic screenings or to determine whether you are eligible to access free Pike County Health Fund Services, call Janet Rancati, RN, Regional Representative, at 570-775-7288; or visit www.nmhnj.org to view the full listing of screenings.
Of the many people who have used the program so far, lives have been saved,” Fund supporter, Joan Waldman