PINELLAS COUNTY

County Profile:

1998 population 896,443. Eighteen percent of the population is below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. The major city is St. Petersburg.

Health Care Access:

According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, in 1988, Pinellas County had 2,028 medical doctors, 328 osteopathic physicians, 581 dentists, and 11,487 registered nurses actively licensed.

Status of Volunteer Efforts:

Clearwater Free Clinic is a non-profit, non-government operated medical facility that provides free health care (exams, referrals, lab work, x-rays, and medication) to patients who cannot afford private health insurance but do not qualify for government assistance. Doctors, nurses, pharmacist, and clerks donate their time, while local hospitals provide supplies and lab support.

Clearwater Free Clinic is seeking volunteer health care professionals of different specialties. For additional information contact: Jean Shapiro, Executive Director, 707 N. Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755 (727) 447-3041.

Homeless Emergency Project provides housing and comprehensive services for the homeless, including families and single women and men. They provide emergency shelter, transitional shelter, shelter plus care, and permanent housing.

The Free Dental Program provides dental care for all clients residing within the homeless program and is able to provide a limited amount of services to those whose income qualifies them and who live in the area. For additional information contact: Homeless Emergency Project, Inc. Free Dental Clinic, 1120 N. Betty Lane, Clearwater, FL, 34615 (813) 442-9041 or Fax (813) 443-4875 Attn: Pat McAbee, Case Worker.

Greenwood Community Health Resource Center provides basic health services to the community free of charge. This community health outreach is made possible through the generosity and commitment of physicians, nurses and health care professionals who donate their services.

Greenwood Community Health Resource Center Free Clinic offers the following services: blood pressure screening, tuberculosis screening, cholesterol screening, preliminary diagnostic aid advice and educational programs and materials. Clinic hours are: Tuesday 9:00 A.M.- 1:00 P.M., Wednesday 1:00 P.M.- 7:00 P.M. and Thursday 1:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M.

Volunteer medical professionals of different specialties are needed. For additional information contact: Greenwood Community Health Resource Center, 1001 N. Greenwood Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755, (813) 467-9411 Attn: Willa Carson, President.

110 Volunteer Program Efforts:

Pinellas County Health Department

Volunteers perform a number of services, ranging from clerical work to counseling and medical treatment. A group of University of South Florida students worked in conjunction with the Family Program as research assistants. There are many dedicated, long-term volunteers who have provided valuable office support and counseling in Pinellas County Communicable Disease Center. For additional information contact: Pinellas County Health Department, 300 31^st street, Room 617, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 Attn: Sharon Hutto, 110 Coordinator, (727) 893-2209 ext. 150 or email Sharon_Hutto@doh.state.fl.us