PONTIAC, Mich. – The Gary Burnstein Community Health Clinic in Pontiac has been changing and saving lives at no cost to its patients.
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The clinic, which serves uninsured and underinsured people across Michigan, was the passion project of the late Dr. Gary Burnstein.
“His philosophy was everyone has the right to great health care regardless of their ability to pay for it,” said CEO Mary Lewis.
Lewis said that 20 years ago, Burnstein was the only doctor to respond to the community’s needs.
Vision has grown into the clinic, which Sheila Eberhardt-Louris credits with saving her life.
Sheila was retired but didn’t qualify for Medicare when she became ill with Covid-19.
That’s when the stomach pains started.
“I was just stuck between a rock and a hard place without any insurance at all,” said Sheila.
The clinic, which gives patients access to more than 300 volunteer providers across 11 specialties, ordered a battery of tests, which led to her cancer diagnosis.
From there, doctors connected her with providers at a local hospital that volunteered to treat her cancer.
The clinic offers dental care, preventative care, and free prescriptions.
Dr. Jessica Jacques-Goodman helps people keep their vision.
“If people can’t see, they can’t work, they can’t see their grandkids, we have patients who can’t read text messages or see the food that they’re eating,” said Jacques-Goodman.
In the last year alone, they provided free care for over 3,500 patients and gave away over $2 million in medications.
Lewis says overseeing the clinic is a full-circle moment for her.
Growing up, she says her family relied on free clinics and wants everyone who visits The Gary Burnstein Health Clinic to have the best care.
The Clinic is located at 45580 Woodward Avenue in Pontiac. It’s open Monday through Friday, beginning at 9 a.m.
Click here for more information.
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