For 16 years now, the Crescent Community Clinic and its volunteer body of physicians, healthcare and administrative professionals, led by Dr. Husam Abuzarad, has been offering under or uninsured patients in Hernando County access to healthcare at little to no cost. It is the only free healthcare clinic in the county for those with chronic health conditions and mental health diagnoses.
“Our clinic does not receive government funding of any kind and relies entirely on donations from patients, businesses, social and service organizations, foundations and individuals,” said the clinic’s Executive Director Christina Reyes. “We never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay a little something.”
“That’s why our fundraisers are important for so many reasons,” she continued. “Fundraisers help people to get involved in a cause they care about and help raise awareness about important local issues.”
This year, the clinic’s annual Dessert Extravaganza fundraiser was at The Lodge in Timber Pines, Spring Hill. The event was held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and about 300 people attended. It was an evening of conviviality, live music, an impressive spread of delicious mini desserts, an exciting silent auction with items from a generous community and lots and lots of 50/50 raffles prize.
Gold sponsors for the event included: Lillian Ingram, Ralph and Cindy Dorio; Silver sponsors included: Water Solutions Clyde Rambacher, Lotus Dermatology, Dr. Utpal Patel; The Mamo Team (Keller Williams Realty); Dr. Kim Acupuncture PLLC; Robert Miller of Shutter Pro Shutter & Blinds; Dr Ron Cooper of Animal Care Center; Tyler Stock, Independent Insurance Agent; Jason Smith, Smith Cross Law; Bruce Eisenhard, Coridium.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which monitors the health of the nation, there are more than 3 million people who are uninsured. And Florida is consistently rated as one of the highest states of uninsured in the country, with many forced to choose between paying their bills or having health coverage.
“Without the clinic, a lot of the people that we serve would have no other alternative but to turn to public assistance and leave their jobs so they can be “poor” enough to receive free care, said Reyes.
As of 2023, statistics indicate that there have been over 150,000 and possibly as many as 300,000 visits to the health and mental care departments at the Clinic. This represents a huge number of uninsured individuals in Hernando County (it does not include children or adults without Medicare or Medicaid).
“The Dessert Extravaganza was a great success but without our many, many volunteers, this event would not have been possible,” said Reyes. “Our appreciation and gratitude goes to Bonnie Schmink and Patty Rochelieu who organized this event tirelessly, along with the other volunteers who helped serve our guests and sponsors.”
“We have been blessed with many, many devoted and caring volunteers over our 16 years,” said Reyes. “But we are always in need of a mix of volunteer provider positions especially physicians, dentists, nurse practitioners, and more. All we ask is that you have a willing heart.”
“Crescent Community Clinic is grateful for every new volunteer. We value your time and want you to have a satisfying volunteer experience,” she added.
As to future plans, Dr. Zarad will remain focused on how the clinic can expand in the future. Plans include exploring more creative fundraising ideas to engage donors and maximize participation.
“Our real goal,” he said, “will be to have our very own building where we can continue our present services and possibly get more provider physicians and practitioners.
Also ahead for the clinic are plans to develop a process of educating patients on healthcare behaviors. This will include offering guidelines to patients on over-the-counter supplements, how to exercise to the best of their ability, healthy eating habits and how best to incorporate them into everyday life to achieve a healthy lifestyle. “We want our patients to be healthy for life,” he said.
Reyes said, “I think our clinic is a valuable asset to Hernando County. All of our team here “try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud,” she said, quoting American poet Maya Angelou. Call (352) 610-9916 for more information on how to join our team.
The Hernando Sun applauds the many physicians, volunteers and counselors who regularly donate their time to help bridge the gap in healthcare coverage and provide services to fit the medical needs of these uninsured Americans. We urge others in the community to also volunteer in some way. For more information, contact Christina Reyes at (352) 610-9916. Thank you for being part of their journey and for helping make healthcare accessible to all.
To donate, you can go on our website at www.crescentclinic.org where you are able to use PayPal, debit, credit card, or check in honor of our 16th birthday. Your support means the world to us, and we are grateful for your continued partnership in making a positive impact.
The Crescent Community Clinic is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm. Call 352-610-9916 to enquire if you qualify.
If you call after hours, please leave a message and staff will return you call within one business day. The Crescent Community Clinic is located at 5244 Commercial Way Spring Hill in the Winchester Plaza.
Crescent Community Clinic is NOT an Emergency or Walk-in Clinic. Established patients are given appointments with a licensed provider for their chronic health condition or mental health illness.
Individuals wishing to be a patient at the Clinic should come to the Clinic Wednesday or Friday between 9 am and 1 pm and complete the Intake and Eligibility application.
All one needs to qualify for services is to be uninsured, low-income or no income and a resident of Hernando County between the ages of 18 and 64. Come to the clinic weekdays except Thursday between 9 am and 2 pm. Bring photo ID, Social Security card and proof of residency and income or lack of income. You must have a chronic health condition the clinic can treat and/or a mental health diagnosis.
Crescent Community Clinic is free for Hernando Country residents ages 18-64 without insurance, low or no income, and a chronic health or mental health condition. To apply for services come Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.
Patients are seen by appointment only. Accepting new patients for eligibility on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon Visit crescentclinic.org
Sue Quigley is a freelance contributor to The Hernando Sun and other overseas newspapers. She can be reached at [email protected], 727.247.6308 or [email protected].
