It all started with a mission: To respectfully provide quality care and hope to Shelby County residents who were falling through bureaucratic cracks in our health care system. As Teresa Ditmer, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, realized her dream and made Compassionate Care a reality, our community witnessed first hand the effects of her efforts. Prior to 2007, there were no free clinics available to people living in Shelby County. Those who lacked adequate private insurance and were not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid had few alternatives. Many who lost their insurance along with their jobs found it extremely difficult and costly to obtain even basic medical care. Thanks to Teresa’s diligence and concern for others, Compassionate Care of Shelby County (CCSC) opened its doors on August 1, 2007, and those who lacked insurance or who were under-insured were no longer left in the dark.
The dedicated efforts of our qualified staff members and over 140 volunteers now enable Compassionate Care to offer a wide range of services:
- Clinical programs are conducted by licensed and experienced health care providers
- A primary care clinic is open once a week
- Medical visits with a Clinical Nurse Specialist are offered through the week; these visits include blood draws for lab work and blood pressure checks
- Dental clinics are available twice a week
- Referrals to collaborating specialists are available at no cost to our patients
- Bridging the GAP (Granting Access to Prescriptions) allows us to provide free, essential prescription medication to our patients.
Compassionate Care’s Board of Directors come from diverse backgrounds in order to represent our community’s various socio-economic, ethnic, and gender groups. They meet regularly to make financial and management decisions that affect the ongoing success of CCSC on behalf of our patients. Our Board of Trustees, led by Executive Director Traci Milanese, oversees the administrative and clinical operations of CCSC and coordinates the efforts of all medical, administrative staff and volunteers.
This remarkable group of people truly cares about our Shelby County neighbors and families. Our faith in God and concern for each other allows us to share the tools and talents needed to promote healthier lifestyles and offer hope and health care services to those in need.