When Anne Gerber left a full-time job to attend nursing school, she lost the safety net of health insurance coverage. Neither her college nor her part-time job at an area hospital offered affordable, comprehensive health benefits.

Like many earning too much to qualify for federal support, but not enough to afford coverage, Ms. Gerber went uninsured.

About a year ago, she discovered the faith-based North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM) in Lakewood. There Ms. Gerber found a compassionate group of physicians and nurses offering free health care and medication assistance to people who have no affordable alternatives. More than half of the center's patients are employed, but a majority of those working earn less than $20,000 annually.

"Sure, they can get access at an emergency room, but they'll have a huge bill so that's a deterrent," says NCHM Executive Director Lee Elmore, RN "Their greater need is access to care for their ongoing conditions, including assistance with medication."

The Cleveland Clinic Health System Western Region has assisted in this valuable service for the West Side by providing original space when the center was initiated, free or discounted lab and radiology services and other support when needed. More than half of the 200 physician, nurse and clerical support volunteers who provide care on and off site are employees of Fairview and Lakewood hospitals. Many are physician specialists who accept referrals at no cost. Fairview and Lakewood Hospitals and other providers helped the NCHM provide $3.2 million in charity care in 2004.

"It's really about neighbors helping neighbors, and we're happy to partner with the North Coast Health Ministry," says Fred DeGrandis, CEO of the Cleveland Clinic Health System Western Region and NCHM board member. "The organization provides outstanding care in a dignified and highly respectful manner."

Ms. Gerber agrees. "I came into this wondering what kind of care I was going to get, and this has been no different than any other doctor I've ever been to," she says. "Their concerns about me are always present. It's top-notch medical care."

Ms. Gerber hopes to give back some day as a volunteer nurse.

For more information, please call Cleveland Clinic Health System Community Relations at 216/476-4811.