21. Volunteer Your Professional Talents
The Rotary Clubs of the San Jose (CA) area sponsor
Rotocare
--free medical care for the homeless and others least able to afford it. Physicians and nurses see patients once a week in locations where the needy trust the caregivers--at soup kitchens, food pantries, clothing distribution centers, and shelters.
Rotocare was founded in 1988 by Dr. Mark Campbell who recognized that those who need medical care the most have the least access to it. Because time, space, and materials are mostly donated, Rotocare's budget is only $3,000 a year, primarily for insurance.
Two Examples from Rotocare:
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One day a mother brought her son to see Dr. Campbell because the boy was doing poorly in school. On examining the child's ear, Dr. Campbell discovered a dead cockroach which had been there so long that it had destroyed the eardrum. He extracted the cockroach piece by piece and eventually arranged for an ear drum replacement.
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On another occasion, early one evening, nine children in one family residing at a shelter were checked for lice. Every child was infected. The last child asked Dr. Campbell to look at his mother. He found her outside the door, on the ground, sweating heavily. She had been suffering from chest pains since the morning. A paramedic team was called which saved her life.
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This model can be used by other communities. Dr. Campbell would be pleased to provide information (408-866-8200).
List of all 54 Ways
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54 Ways You Can Help The Homeless - Overview