Lithonia Clinic Hurting

By Martha Dalton

Atlanta – A Lithonia medical clinic that serves the uninsured is struggling to stay afloat. Donations have tapered off as the number of patients has increased. WABE's Martha Dalton reports.

South Dekalb Center for Healthy Living provides critical health care services for low-income patients. Executive director Renee Ranson says the cost of supplies is putting a strain on the clinic, especially since major donors have redirected their funding to other charities:
"Some people are just focusing on separate issues, like diabetes, obesity, teens and pregnancy - all worthy causes, but it limits us quite a bit."
Ranson says the clinic has so many volunteers, including doctors and nurse practitioners, that she's unable to schedule them all. And the rent has been waived:
"We are so blessed to have a donated lease by First Saint Paul, however there are expenses every time I open - or even when I don't open the door- you know, the electricity still has to be paid."
The clinic is starting the year with just 5-thousand dollars in the bank - which Ranson hopes will last until spring.
MD, WABE News

For more information or to make a donation go to: http://www.healthylivingclinic.org/