Student helps cure health care woes at Saginaw support program

April 28, 2008 —

While the economy continues to decline in Michigan, so does the number of people with health care. One Saginaw program is fighting the notable adversity by providing free health care to those in need.

The Community Prescription Support Program, or CRxSP, was founded by a Dominican nun, Sister Phyllis Klonowski. The program provides a variety of services to those in need of health care. Some services include prescription medication, assistance paying for co-pays, durable medical equipment, and referrals.

Social work senior Suzanne Edmonds volunteers with the program weekly. She reflected on the current situation regarding health care in America and more specifically, for students at SVSU.

"There are numerous valid reasons why people including SVSU students do not have insurance or for the insurance they do have does not cover their needs," she said. "It is sad to note that the U.S. is the only developed industrialized country in the world that does not have some form of universal health care."

The CRxSP provides service to customers free of charge as a result of many donations made by numerous sources. Some of these include United Way Saginaw County, St. Mary's of Michigan, Covenant HealthCare, HealthPlus of Michigan, and Saginaw Community Foundation.

"Three components allow CRxSP to assist clients," Edmonds said. "Funding and grants, volunteers, and donations. Without the combination of these three elements, the program would not be as effective as it is."

Clients utilizing the free program in Saginaw come from all walks of life. Some are uninsured, while others just don't have the income to support medical insurance. Those wishing to receive care are not discriminated against in regards to age, color, sex, gender, race, sexual orientation, nation of origin, language, religion, health history, or current health issues. No appointment is necessary and no formal referral is required; however, clients do need to have a current prescription.

Those interested in the CRxSP services of Saginaw can call (989) 907-5602. The service is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

All clients who sign in before 3 p.m. are assisted the same day.

The CRxSP program is just a small part of a nation wide event called "Week of the Unisured," in which uninsured Americans are recognized with an effort to help those living without health insurance. The event runs from April 27 to May 3 and has been in place since 2003.

"By giving clients the means by which they can deal with their health issues, it allows them to retain their independence," Edmonds said. "It allows them to continue to take care of themselves and their family."