Central Ohio Physicians Give Year Round At Clinic

Patients of a free clinic shared their messages of appreciation on Monday for the physicians who volunteer their time year round.

Weeknights at Columbus Public Health can be packed with patients in need, 10TV's Andrea Cambern reported.

"It's standing room only pretty much," patient Roger King said.

Like most patients of the clinic, King said that he had no health insurance and nowhere to turn. A lifetime of construction left King unable to work, Cambern reported.

"My spine is pretty messed up, without this clinic I would just be living in pain, a lot of pain," King said.

King is a regular at the clinic; he said that he does not mind waiting to see a surgeon.

"The way I see it," King said. "You're going to be sitting somewhere, why not be sitting here to get some healthcare."

Care at the clinic is provided by medical professionals that donate their time, but there is not enough to go around, Cambern reported.

The tough economy has caused longer lines than ever at the clinic.  According to clinic officials, visits are up 40 percent.

"We do try to provide them with other resources," Executive Director Isi Ikharebha said. "Ultimately, it's difficult to turn folks away. But we just can't see everyone."

The stretching of clinic resources is something patients understand and appreciate.

"It's a blessing that it's free," said a patient who wished to remain anonymous. "These people volunteer their time to help the people who are unfortunate, that need help."

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