Temecula Murrieta low-income health clinic opens

“Next patient please, Tsehai Abate,” a medical assistant called out from behind a clinic table.

With a smile, Abate stood and anxiously made her way over to complete the paperwork for her medical check-up.

Her next stop was with Nancy Nunez, a registered nurse, who took her vitals-all the steps are standard procedure for medical clinics, but the clinic Abate was being seen at isn’t the everyday type.

Abate was among one of a dozen patients receiving medical services at the official opening Wednesday of Temecula Murrieta Rescue Mission’s Mobile Health Clinic, the first 40-foot mobile trailer no-cost health clinic in the Southwest area for the uninsured and impoverished.

“I want to make sure I’m ok,” Abate said. “This is where they’re going to be able to help me if there’s something wrong.”

Her husband has high blood pressure and Abate was recently diagnosed with high cholesterol. She was to return for a follow-up appointment at a local clinic, but could not afford the fee to be seen again.

With a sigh of relief Abate turned to her husband, smiled and said, “It’s good. Everything’s checked-out good so far.”

Like many, Abate who is a real estate agent in Temecula, has been feeling the effects of the economy. Her husband was recently laid off and the couple has not had a steady source of income since August, let alone insurance.

With the growth in the area, mission Manager David Jones said providing services to those in need as grown significantly as well.

“We’re serving more and more families nowadays,” he said. “I know free medical is a big deal and we wanted to provide this service for the families in need. It’s beyond important.”

Staffed with two doctors, five registered nurses and medical students, the $40,000-mobile unit made possible through private donations, features modern medical equipment, two exam rooms on opposite ends of the trailer and most importantly, a no-cost pharmacy.

The entire staff is on a volunteer basis and Jones said three other doctors have agreed to jump on board and volunteer with the clinic.

“Free medical service is a big deal,” Jones said. “Now providing a pharmacy without paying to fill the prescription, that’s even bigger.”

The list of services the clinic offers includes evaluations for the common cold, flu Bronchitis, Pneumonia, minor injuries, muscle spasms and strains and fungal infections. The clinic also offers the management of uncomplicated chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, migraines, perimenopause and emphysema. Chiropractic services are offered as well.

“Our goal is to have relationships with support services in order to provide more extensive services in the future,” Jones said. “Right now, we’re just getting started.”

The clinic will operate from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays at the Rancho Community Church parking lot, 31300 Rancho Community Way.

Jones said a maximum of 24 patients can be seen on Wednesday’s, so arriving early is a must.

“We’re running on a first-come-first-served basis,” he said. “The doctors have three hours, that’s about eight patients per hour.”

Tonight’s limit was almost met with half of their patients arriving before 6 p.m. and Jones said he expects clinic lines to grow once winter comes along.

“We’ve been training and getting prepared for all this,” Jones said. “We’re here to meet the needs of those we serve and we’re going to continue to do so.”

Tags: Lake Elsinore, Meniffe, Murrieta, Nancy Nunez, perris, Rancho Community Church, SWRNN, Temecula, Temecula Murrieta Rescue Mission, Temecula Murrieta Rescue Mission's Mobile Health Clinic, wildomar

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