Health Ministry of the Southern Tier
Healthy root stock, good soil, adequate sun and rain promote plants with succulent leaves and strong stems that bear abundant fruit. Similarly, a healthy community can produce robust citizens.
“Good health is an extremely important component in a fully-functioning community,” says Michael J. Slovak, Executive Director of the Health Ministry of the Southern Tier, a member of the Federation of Free Health Care Centers with locations in Corning, Elmira, Bath and Watkins Glen. “Access to quality care makes a dramatic difference in so many aspects of a community’s overall health. In addition to sustaining a vibrant workforce, a healthy population is more able to participate and be productive within all areas of their life.”
Providing free medical and dental services to the uninsured and underserved is at the very heart of the Health Ministry’s mission. It is also only one part of what the Health Ministry does. As a facilitated enroller, Slovak says the Health Ministry works to connect eligible individuals and families with public programs. Ministry staff helps them navigate the complicated, often overwhelming bureaucracy, answering questions, reading forms and often, holding hands throughout the process.
The need is growing. “We logged more than 2,700 patient visits during the past year,” Slovak explains. “Yet, I sense we see just the tip of the iceberg.” Slovak suggests that stress related to the current economy and health care climate has made matters worse. He has witnessed firsthand people choosing between food, shelter, clothing or health care.
Still Slovak says he’s “blown away” on a regular basis by the generosity all around him, from the medical and dental professionals who donate services to the community partners who donate money.
