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Construction Underway for New AmeriCares Clinic in Bridgeport
CONTACT: AMERICARES Stamford, CT, June 29, 2007 - Construction has begun on the new AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport, which willopen later this summer, offering increased service to uninsured patients within the local community. The construction at the Wheeler Center on Sanford Avenue is being financed through a $300,000 Equity Equivalent Investment from RBS National Bank. The new location will feature five examination rooms, whereas the current AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport, operating from a mobile health unit, is limited to two. "The AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport provides critical health care services for many in the community who would otherwise go without treatment," says Karen Gottlieb, executive director of the AmeriCares Free Clinic. "Our move into this new location will enable us to treat more patients and offer extended hours of service which will benefit the community. The investment by RBS National Bank in our clinic is an investment in the health of an entire community." "Access to quality healthcare is a critical issue across the country and around the world. RBS National Bank is proud to be working with AmeriCares, a world-wide leader on such an important project right here in Bridgeport." said Joe Hoffman president and CEO of RBS National Bank. Since opening in 2003, the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport has provided health care services valued at over $2.2 million to more than 1,000 city residents. Providing general medical services to people 18 and older, as well as specialty clinics for patients with chronic medical conditions, the clinic also offers prescribed laboratory/diagnostic testing through the generosity of Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent's Medical Center and Quest Diagnostics. The AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport is currently serving patients through three weekly sessions, on Tuesdays and Saturdays outside the Newfield Public Library on Stratford Avenue, and on Thursdays at the United Congregational Church on Park Avenue. The work of the clinic is made possible by contributions of time from more than 100 volunteer doctors, nurses, non-medical volunteers and others, including specialists who see patients in their private offices at no charge. These partnerships allow the clinic to provide services to patients who cannot afford needed medical care because they lack health insurance. Delaying or not receiving treatment can lead to more serious illnesses and even hospitalization for conditions that could have been avoided had the patient received preventative and/or ongoing care. In addition to the location in Bridgeport, AmeriCares Free Clinics also has locations that serve the uninsured in Danbury and Norwalk. For more information, visit the web site at www.americaresfreeclinics.org or call 1-800-26-CARES.
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