Keeping a Hand In

Jane Bohnsack, R.N., has been volunteering for the AmeriCares Free Clinics for more than five years.  She started by helping out at the Norwalk clinic and then moved to the Bridgeport clinic shortly after it opened.

"I've always volunteered at some sort of medical activity," says Jane.  "I wanted to keep my hand in nursing and this gives me a chance to help people without insurance.  I chose AmeriCares Free Clinics because the clinics were local and because I love what I do and wanted to keep doing it in some way."

Working with the uninsured, Jane says, has its ups and downs.  "There are some things that tear your heart out.  People who can't get work and are going to be forced out of their living situations because they can't afford them.  When they have chronic illnesses like diabetes to deal with, too, it is heartbreaking.

Jane says that one of the advantages of volunteering at the AmeriCares Free Clinics is working with the other volunteers.  "We're all on the same wave-length.  We all want to volunteer, we all want to help.  Every doctor I have worked with there is wonderful." 

To learn more about volunteering at an AmeriCares Free Clinic, visit the web site at www.americaresfreeclinics.org