July 2000

When Health Becomes
a Choice to Make

Donald Moore has always believed in helping others. Since 1970, Moore has served as a regional director and public relations officer for a social-service organization based in India. He has worked with schools, disaster relief, local governments and the United Nations across Southeast Asia and Africa; and most recently, with early childhood development in Peru.

Making a Healthy Choice

So where does a man who’s made helping others a lifelong passion go when he needs help? Moore, who returned to Wichita in April, discovered he needed surgery for a hereditary hernia. Moore worked for an organization that was based in a third-world country and it did not have the resources to help him. After meeting with a physician, they began working out installment options so he could proceed with the surgery. When he learned of the total bill he thought he was doomed.

"I hadn’t been in the States for 30 years and was shocked to find out how high medical costs had become," says Moore.

Moore was given three options. Do nothing, wear a truss or have surgery. The latter being what he really needed—the other options would leave him fairly immobile, making everyday routines a struggle and limiting his chances of finding work in his field.

"I gave up hope," says Moore. "I couldn’t afford the surgery so I was going to do nothing and live with the hernia."

That is until he heard about Project Access, a program organized by the Medical Society of Sedgwick County which received funding from United Way of the Plains.

Free Health Care

Project Access provides free medical care to the low-income, uninsured in Sedgwick County who do not qualify for other programs.

"Without health insurance, people often put off medical needs in early stages, which can lead to bigger problems later on," says Tricia Petz, administrative assistant at Project Access. "We want people to come to us right away, to hopefully prevent serious illness or emergency situations, and at the same time, give them a way to get help while protecting their self-esteem."

According to Petz, more than $3 million worth of medical services has been donated to Project Access from area hospitals, physicians, labs and physical therapists.

Quality Care

Moore received his Project Access card within two days of his application, and was able to go to the doctor of his choice. He underwent his hernia surgery on May 30 and is recovering well.

Moore says he was pleased with how everyone involved carried out their jobs as usual, and treated him with the same respect as other patients.

"Project Access is all about helping someone without expecting something in return. It touches the human sentiment of service, and can really change a lot in this country," says Moore.

Call United Way of the Plains at 267-1321 to find out more about how your money is helping our community.