Reflections on Success: Health Center Voices

Indiana

NorthShore Health Centers
Portage

NorthShore Health Centers operates at three sites located in Portage and Lake Station, Indiana. In 2006, Randy, an uninsured patient, scheduled his first appointment and presented with symptoms of skin allergies to a blood pressure medication he had been taking. Upon the examination the physician noted a nodule on the right side of Randy’s neck. The physician ordered a series of diagnostic tests which confirmed a diagnosis of tongue and neck cancer. Due to Randy not having insurance and living on a fixed income, it was very difficult to find a specialist who would take him as a patient. With a lot of effort and hard work, the Medical Director and CEO were able to find a surgeon in the area who was willing to see Randy at a reduced fee. With great success due to the comprehensive care facilitated by the health center, Randy is cancer free and is still continuing his care at NorthShore. If it was not for health centers providing care for the medically underserved and low income individuals like Randy, they would not get the health care desperately needed.