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Volunteer Spotlight
Spring 2006: Carrol Kleinschmidt
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Carrol Kleinschmidt |
Profession: Retired from Manitowac Equipment Works as a regional manager after a thirty year career.
What is your role at the clinic?
I work with the Patient Drug Assistance Program (PDAP). We work with the patients who are unable to afford prescription medications. We meet with the patients and help complete the applications for drug companies which supply the medications at no cost.
What brought you to Siloam?
I had been volunteering at a similar type clinic in Georgia, the Good Samaritan Clinic. I worked in their PDAP department and wrote training manuals for the volunteers there. After moving to Franklin , I had an injury which forced me to be immobile for about four months. During that time I realized how much I missed volunteering and began contacting clinics in the area to try to find a home for my skills with a Patient Assistance program. Miraculously, I saw an article about Siloam’s new clinic; I called and found that we could be partners in the PDAP adventure.
What keeps you coming back?
As a child I grew up in a household that was financially challenged. I can remember times when there were many basic needs that my parents could not afford. Today, I can’t imagine having to decide whether to spend your income on food, shelter or medications. If each month I can eliminate the concern of how to provide medications for just one of these individuals, I am so blessed. Obviously we are assisting many each month and they make our day with their warm smiles and sincere gratitude.
What do you see as a need for this program?
We need to grow the PDAP department to be manned by a qualified individual during all hours that the clinic is open. The ideal person is one who is willing to commit to a regular time each week (we realize that people will be away for vacation time, etc.) and someone who likes detailed paperwork. Please call Karen Stevens, 298-5406, ext. 112 if you are interested in volunteering in this area.
©2001 Siloam Health Center
