To schedule your appointment, please go to www.miblood.org or call 231-935-0412.  Drop-ins are also welcome.

Federal and state governments are revising revenue sources and programs that support health care services for the low income population.  These changes will significantly impact Clinic revnues.  In fact, some of the existing program revenues supporting the Clinic have already begun to decline.  Additionally, projections indicate that other major sources of government revenue will be eliminated two years earlier than previously expected.

Beginning in 2014, low income, currently uninsured persons will be able to receive health care coverage through expanded Medicaid programs and subsidized health plans offered on state exhanges.  Traverse Health Clinic is making the changes necessary to continue to serve low income individuals in a manner that will make the Clinic eligible for new revenue sources that will replace those that are being eliminated.

Traverse Health Clinic has strong community support and is viewed as an important safety net provider for primay care services in the greater Grand Traverse region.  With the transitions that are underway to meet the health care system requirements of the future, the Clinic will be well-prepared to meet the changes of health reform that are occurring now as well as in the future.

However, during a transition period, the Traverse Health Clinic is facing a revenue shortfall.  As a result, the Clinic must reduce its expenditures to match its reduced revenues during this period.  “The Clinic has been exploring all possible options to reduce costs in a way that minimizes impact on our patients and services,” stated Arlene Brennan, Executive Director.  “This will result in a reorganization of some of our activities and a consolidation of some services.”  In the short term, reducing expenses means that the Clinic will be experiening a reduction representing 10% to 20% of their workforce.

The onsite primary care clinic will continue to be open 5 days a week to serve existing and new patients.  All programs that Traverse Health Clinic provides are continuing, although some modifications in the scope of certain services will occur.  New enrollment in “CHAP”, the volunteer access program, will be limited.  All current CHAP members who continue to meet eligibility criteria and recertify for the program will maintain the benfits of the CHAP program.

Donate $100 in honor of your loved one this Valentine’s Day and make it sweeter for someone who needs help to get to a doctor.  The Traverse Health Clinic is looking for 100 Valentines to make a $100 gift to help 100 people get the health care they need.

Donate here by clicking on the Spread The Health Button or call 231-035-0412.  Make a donation and the clinic will email your Valentine a card explaining the sweet gift.  Happy Valentine’s Day – Spread the Health!

Double the impact of your purchase, and please save the date – “Now that I have the Clinic programs, I finally feel like I have a safety net and people that really care about my well being.  It’s hard to really put into words how this program has impacted my life in such a remarkable way.  Thank you so much.” – A.M.

This coming weekend, November 19th and 20th, Toy Harbor invites the community to join them as they Give Thanks and Spread the Health.

If you shop Toy Harbor this weekend, your gift purchases will have double the impact this holiday, as 15% of all purchases will benefit the uninsured being served by the Traverse Health Clinic.  Weekend store hours are Saturday 10 am to 5:30 pm and Sunday noon – 4:00. 

Please join area Chefs Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson as they give back to our organization which has helped so many of their friends and colleagues in the hospitality and entertainment industry.  We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner, drinks and dessert and entertainment by Jay Kott.  Tickets are $25 and available by calling 231-935-0412, or at the door.  100% of proceeds will benefit Traverse Health Clinic’s CHAP program.   For additional information please email sfenton@traversehcc.org.  See you there!

Items donated will be distributed throughout the year to 2,500 Clinic patients.  Thank you for your help!