While the Democrats and Republicans in Congress bicker and posture over President Barack Obama's national health care initiatives, something productive and wonderful is happening in Oneonta.
Oneonta's Community Health Care Clinic celebrated its first anniversary Tuesday.
We have in previous editorials been fulsome in our praise of first the concept, then the reality of the 22 Academy St. facility for those who can't afford health care anywhere else.
That praise has not been misguided.
Staffed by volunteers, the one-day-a-week clinic has provided 420 patient visits to low-income adults who don't have health insurance.
Open Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the clinic offers basic health care and referrals and also assists those eligible to apply for federal and state health-assistance programs.
No one has been turned away based on income, according to clinic board members. That is thanks to about 50 regular volunteers who bring a wealth of talent and dedication, but more are needed.
``The clinic people are awesome,'' said Tami Smith-Goodspeed, an Oneontan who has been treated at the clinic four times. ``I think it's incredibly noble what they're doing.''
What the clinic needs now more than anything else is more funding.
These remarkable people aren't satisfied with what they have accomplished on the tightest of budgets. They want to expand the clinic's hours, reach more patients, hire a manager and start a building fund.
The proposed budget for 2009-10 is $32,000, up from the first year's budget of about $20,780, according to board members.
The clinic, which pays for utilities and supplies, has been using the space rent-free but will start paying $500 monthly rent in October.
With the clinic's nonprofit status, it has been designated as a United Way agency. That will help, but the success of this splendid enterprise will likely rest on whether it can garner sufficient contributions from those of us who live in Otsego and Delaware counties.
"We provide a lot of care for very few dollars,'' Grace Smith, board president of the Friends of the Oneonta Community Health Center, said in an e-mail message. ``Who would have imagined it would be possible?''
Well, probably not those politicians in Washington, D.C.
No, it has taken a community with vision, generosity and compassion to get this worthy endeavor accomplished.
Now, with your help, we'll see how much more it can do.
