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September 9, 2003
Project Access launches new era of medical care
by: Craig Howard, Spokane Valley News Herald Staff Writer It seemed appropriate that the movers and shakers in the Spokane medical community would gather under a tent on a hot, sweltering day to celebrate the launch of Project Access. After all, the innovative program - designed to provide medical coverage for the uninsured - is all about supplying ample protection. Samuel Selinger, the medical director of Project Access, hosted the festivities in the parking lot of the Spokane Falls Family Clinic on Sept. 4. For Selinger, a heart surgeon in the area for 24 years, the event was the culmination of a dream to bring health care to local residents who lack traditional health care coverage. "Many of you are parents, along with me, of our new baby - Project Access," Selinger told the crowd. "Today is a demonstration of all elements of the community stepping forward. It was something I always thought was possible." There are currently 22 cities in 14 states which offer Project Access. Spokane County is the only community west of Dallas, Texas that has instigated the program. The list of attendees at the kickoff made it clear the event was more than just another get-together with complimentary punch. From administrators throughout the state to representatives from the offices of U.S. Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, the gathering had the feel of a landmark christening. In a congratulatory letter, Cantwell called the start of the program "an important milestone for the health and welfare of people living in Spokane County." Selinger has now recruited 500 of 950 area doctors to take part in Project Access. Providence Services Eastern Washington and Empire Health Services have also come on board. The cause received a boost recently from a Robert Wood Johnson grant for $425,000 with a community match for $500,000. Last week, the city of Spokane Valley City Council approved a donation of $5000 following Selinger's appearance. The council will also look at carving out space in next year's budget for the program. "I was delighted with the response of the city of Spokane Valley," Sellinger said. "I thought they displayed incredible leadership in stepping up with money for us this year." Liberty Lake was one of the first communities to pledge their support to the innovative health plan. In May, the City Council approved a grant of $3,000 as well as a sum of $1.25 per citizen in 2004 to help purchase necessary pharmaceuticals. "It's a formula for community care," said Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson, who attended Thursday's festivities. "It yields positive patient outcomes by providing patients with the necessary prescription drugs." Project Access patients will be equipped with a medical card, two identification cards and a pharmacy drug card, according to Julie Lake, the program's executive director. Each patient will be assigned a pharmacy home where all pharmaceuticals will be distributed. "It allows (Project Access patients) to be treated with dignity and respect," said Skip Davis, CEO of Providence Health Care. "Frankly we think it's a great investment in the community." Administrators like Kristen West, the executive director of Choice Regional Health in Olympia, applauded Spokane County for taking the lead in providing health care to a broader segment of the population. "What I hear starting up today is a renewal of the social contract for health care," she said. "What excites me the most is being able to recognize and celebrate the leadership in this community." Want to find out more? For more information about Project Access, visit www.spcms.org (Project Access link) or call 325-5010. |