Working toward a healthier community

Jun. 5--SHARON -- When Loree Pyle found herself without a job about a year ago, she began sending out her resume -- and while finding a new job was a priority, the loss of her health insurance proved to be a significant issue.

Though the Hermitage resident continued seeing her normal doctor for about six months, her loss of medical insurance meant she had to pay $90 per office visit. Without employment or insurance, that was a strain her budget couldn't handle.

"The thing was, I needed medications for my blood pressure," Pyle said. "I had to go six months without my blood pressure medication."

That changed when she discovered through Facebook that Joshua's Haven, 1230 Stambaugh Ave., Sharon, had opened a clinic for people in situations like hers.

The free clinic was open only a short time before it had to close in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. But it was open just long enough for Pyle to have an appointment with clinic physician Dr. Aaron Listopad and resolve her medication issue.

And when the clinic reopened on Tuesday, Pyle was there.

"Even though we were only open four or five weeks before we had to close, we were getting three to five patients a day when the clinic was open," Swetz said.

The clinic, which is available to residents of Joshua's Haven and local residents who are uninsured, is open from 1 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday. Visitors may walk-in or arrange an appointment by calling 724-983-0302, Pastor Sherry Swetz of Joshua's Haven said.

The clinic also is operating under pandemic restrictions -- visitors have to wear a face mask, have their temperature taken upon entering Joshua's Haven and fill out a questionnaire asking about COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.

"We're all wearing our masks too," Listopad said, speaking for himself and the volunteers.

The pandemic closure gave organizers an opportunity to remodel the clinic to improve sanitation, including replacing carpeting with hardwood floors that are easier to keep clean.

The clinic is partnering with UPMC's Family Practice Residency program, with Listopad acting as the clinic's medical director. Dr. William Henwood, Dr. Martin Johns, Dr. Kary Schroyer, Dr. Tim Fullerton and Dr. Amanda Karl make up the remaining medical staff.

All of the clinic's staff are volunteers, with facilities and equipment made possible through donations by UPMC and local doctors, Swetz said.

Some of the clinic's facilities include two exam rooms with a third available if needed, a lobby, nurse's station, meeting room, storage room, and pharmacy, which opened for the first time Tuesday.

"We didn't have it ready in time when we first opened," Listopad said.

A laboratory will also allow the volunteers to do their own testing such as blood work, with Sharon Regional Medical Center providing the lab services.

"We can see the patients here, we can do our own testing, and the patients can get their prescriptions filled here," Listopad said.

Greg Larimer, who runs the clinic pharmacy, is retired but previously co-owned the two Medicine Shoppes in Mercer County and worked at other pharmacies through the area. Having worked as a pharmacist, Larimer said he was familiar with the ways insurance sometimes complicates patients' ability to access the medications they need.

"Sometimes a person's insurance might say what a person is allowed to take, or it says to try 'A' or 'B' before you can prescribe 'C,' and that can get expensive," Larimer said.

Fellow doctor Henwood said he had seen patients who were struggling financially or didn't have the necessary insurance coverage, and how that can impact health.

"I've had a lot of people come into my office over the years who didn't have health insurance," Henwood said.

Immediately after she became unemployed, Pyle was one of them. But now, thanks to Joshua's Haven clinic and volunteers, she now has access to health care.

And her employment prospects have taken a turn for the better as well. She was hired this week at a new job, but her health insurance doesn't activate for a few months.

So Pyle will remain a clinic client for the time being. But she recommends it to others who may find themselves in need of help.

"Come to the clinic, you won't regret it," Pyle said.

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