LAURINBURG — Scotland Community Health Clinic wants the uninsured in the community to know that it is aware of the anxiety about health care at this time.
“We are open and available for primary medical care at no cost, although we have made some changes in view of the coronavirus. I’m trying to spread the word to those who need us,” said Executive Director Andy Kurtzman.
Kurtzman notes there are many in the county who are still unaware that there is a free clinic for the uninsured, although it’s been open since 2007.
In order to minimize spread of COVID-19, SCHC is promoting physical distancing and are utilizing telephone or telehealth to “see” patients at their appointments. The clinic will contact patients prior to their appointment to verify a good number and time of availability to receive their appointment call.
If physical interaction at an appointment is necessary, such as blood draws, or injections, patients should arrive at the clinic as scheduled and be screened at the door and have temperature taken before proceeding. It is requested of patients to use sanitizer and hand wash before going back. There will not be more than three persons in the waiting room and they will be spread out at more than six-feet apart. Any additional patients will be asked to wait in their car in the parking lot and will be waved in accordingly when the clinic is ready for you.
“If your visit is rescheduled, the clinic will contact you,” Kurtzman said.
Medicine can be picked up at the clinic on Tuesday and Thursday. Contact the clinic to let us know you are coming by and call again when you get to the parking lot and someone will bring your medicine to you.
Patients having symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath call the clinic 910-276-9912 inform the clinic of their symptoms but patients are being told not to enter the clinic. The best advice is for the patient to isolate at home to minimize spread of any disease if they are experiencing mild symptoms.
Call the Scotland Memorial Hospital COVID-19 Hotline at 910-504-8990 for further guidance. Continue to keep SCHC informed of your health status.
Also spread the word to others in the community who are uninsured and might need care, if you are not a patient, eligibility applications can be picked up and returned on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call the clinic when you arrive and an application will be brought to you outside the door.
Kurtzman added, “If you have other concerns and need help for resources please call the clinic and ask for me and I will try to help. Please know that we are here for you and want to help. Stay well and be safe.”
SCHC is located at the county government complex on West Boulevard beside the health department/social services and across the parking lot from the county Emergency Operations Center.