A new health clinic for people who are uninsured or underinsured in the Canandaigua area is now accepting patients.
The Thompson Clinic is for patients with medical conditions that are not urgent and do not require x-rays and other laboratory work.
The clinic is the result of collaboration between Thompson Health, Canandaigua Churches in Action (CCIA), Excellus BlueCross BlueShield and Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes. Within three years, the clinic at 120 North Main St. in downtown Canandaigua, Ontario County, is expected to see about 3,500 patient visits annually.
“We feel privileged to partner with these organizations to further extend our mission to provide excellence in health and healing for those who seek care at the site of our origins, the former Thompson Hospital at 120 North Main St.,” said Linda Janczak, president and chief executive officer of Thompson Health.
Patients who want treatment or services at the clinic are asked to call (585) 396-6980 to schedule an appointment. Patients needing ongoing care not provided by the clinic will be referred to a CCIA or Catholic Charities resource coordinator for referral to another health care provider.
“Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes has long been focused on meeting the immediate needs of individuals and families. With this initiative, we are joining forces with a dedicated and skilled group of partners to extend our impact to some of the most vulnerable individuals in this community,” said Ellen Wayne, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes.
This partnership among the organizations began after a 2006 CCIA survey found that nearly half of the respondents either did not have access to health care, or did not know where they would go if they needed care.
“Soon after CCIA formed in 2006, we realized that we would have to go beyond food pantries and clothing bins,” said Stephen Uebbing, CCIA project chairperson. “Health care is often the most critical need faced by the poor and working poor, which is why we focused on finding primary care for this population.”
A $50,000 Excellus BCBS grant helped fund the clinic’s operating and renovating costs.
“Excellus BCBS is supporting the new clinic because it will help many people who are uninsured or underinsured in the Canandaigua area receive preventive care or get treatment for conditions that aren't necessarily emergencies.” said Martin Lustick, M.D., of Canandaigua, senior vice president, corporate medical director, Excellus BCBS. “It is a quality of life issue for both the individual person and our community.”