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The Ohio Valley Health Center represents a perfect example of how most people think nonprofit agencies should work.
You really hope that you, a member of your family or someone close to you never has to use the services it provides, but it's reassuring to know they are available should they be needed.
Sitting near the intersection of South Fourth and Fourth streets in downtown Steubenville, the clinic has been serving the needs of the area's uninsured and underserved residents, regardless of their ability to pay, for 18 years. And while its location has changed a couple of times -- it has called North Fourth Street and Trinity Medical Center East home at various times -- its mission has not.
That's important, especially in an area like ours, which has experienced more than its share of economic hardships during the past several decades.
The reality the area faces is that 17 percent of Jefferson County residents experience poverty, according to numbers included in the health center's 2023 impact report. And, while 17 percent of residents report being in poor to fair health, 7 percent of area adults lack health insurance coverage.
Which means there's a real need for the services the clinic provides.
Last year, the impact report explains, the clinic delivered $442,954 in patient care and $420,043 in filled prescriptions. That patient care includes $365,769 in medical care, $67,185 in lab services and $10,000 in medical supplies.
Providing all of that care is possible only through the help of the community and its willingness to participate in events such as the center's annual gala fundraiser. This year's event, the 18th, was held April 28 at the St. Florian Event Center. Coming less than a week before the running of the Kentucky Derby, it made sense for the theme of the evening to be centered around racing: "And They're Off: The Race for Hope, Health and Healing."
"So many of the patients we serve at the health center do not have the health care availability and opportunity that most of us take for granted," Ann Quillen, the center's executive director, said that evening. "But because of the victorious team that is the Ohio Valley Health Center, including all of you here supporting us tonight, and the multitude of services we provide, our patients can once again -- or for the first time in their lives -- experience victory in the race for good health."
That's making a big difference to area residents. Last year, the impact report adds, the clinic saw 351 patients and recorded 2,320 patient visits, while filling 3,496 prescriptions.
All of that's possible because of a dedicated paid staff and a group of volunteers that, the report said, donated 3,851 hours last year. If all of that time was reimbursed, the cost would total $210,572. And it all comes together under the direction of Quillen.
"She is the glue that holds the clinic together, providing steady leadership and making sure our operations run smoothly," said Rosann Trimmer, who served as co-chair for the gala with her husband, Rick. A nurse practitioner, she's also played a major role in the health center, and has served as a volunteer medical provider and board member.
"At the clinic, we believe in the three Hs -- for those walking through the doors, we are more than just a place for medical treatment. We are hope, health and healing," she explained. "For many of our patients, hope is a precious commodity often in short supply. When they're facing chronic illnesses, struggling to make ends meet or battling mental illness or other challenges, our clinic can offer a lifeline of hope."
Being able to offer access to a wide range of services is important to what the clinic does.
"Health is not merely the absence of disease," Trimmer said. "It is the complete physical, mental and social well-being of an individual. The clinic is committed to promoting health in all forms, from preventive care and screening to comprehensive treatment plans to meet each patient's unique needs."
That attention to the patients is a key component of what they do at the center.
"Perhaps, most important, the clinic is a place of healing," Trimmer continued. "Healing is a deeply personal journey, often marked by moments of triumph and setbacks. But at our clinic, every step of the way, patients are surrounded by a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to their healing process, whether through medical intervention, counseling services, supplying food or simply a listening ear."
Which is all possible because of everyone who attends and the committee that pulls together the gala each year. It's a roster that includes Chris Orris, who was recognized as volunteer of the year, and Suzanne and Dr. Tom Brown, who were honored as medical provider of the year.
It all makes a big impact on the community.
"Together, we have built more than just a clinic," Trimmer added. "We have built a beacon of hope, hope for those in need. Each patient who walks through the doors is met not only with medical care, but dignity, respect and compassion. It is through your support that we can provide high-quality health care to those who need it the most, regardless of their ability to pay.
"Our work is far from over -- there are still countless individuals in our community who lack access to basic health care services, and it is our duty to continue fighting for their right to quality care. With your continued support, we are confident we can extend our reach, touching more lives and making a great impact on the health and well-being of our community," she explained.
It's work that touched many lives and, thanks to the efforts of Trimmer, Quillen and the staff and volunteers at the center, will continue to make life better for everyone who lives across the region.
(Gallabrese, a resident of Steubenville, is executive editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times.)