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Clinic Day begins at the Border between Mexico and the U.S. All patients and families cross
legally. Immigration officials donate their own time to come
early to process our patients, and we greatly appreciate this.
Patients and families without visas are given a one-day pass to
visit The Clinic. |
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Lines start forming at the Church around 7:00 a.m. Some patients
come by private auto, but most come to the Border by bus. They
are picked up at the Border by a van or school bus rented by The
Clinic. Doctors start seeing patients around 9:00 a.m. |
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Because many families have been waiting a long time without food
or drink, The Clinic volunteers serve a break of chips and
coffee, lemonade, or hot cocoa around 9:00 a.m. |
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Patients gather in the Parish Hall reception area to wait to be
called to the department where they have their appointment.
Appointments are for the day; we do not schedule appointments
for specific times. Instead, we see the 200-250 patients on a
first-come, first-served basis. |
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Volunteers staff an Arts & Crafts table to keep children
entertained while they wait for their turn to see the doctor or
therapist. |
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New patients go to the Pediatric Nursing station for weighing
and measuring. Those unable to stand on the scales are held by a
volunteer. |
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Then it’s off to see a doctor in the Pediatrics Department for
assessment and referral to another department as needed.
Returning patients go to the department where they have a
previously scheduled appointment. |
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We have several different departments: Audiology, Cardiology,
Dermatology, Nutrition, Occupational Therapy, Orthotics,
Orthopedics, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Reiki Therapy, Speech
Therapy, and Vision. All parts of the Church and adjoining
Preschool are used for some aspect of The Clinic. Dr. James M.
Hayes is Clinic Medical Director. |
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A patient might see more than one doctor or therapist during the
Clinic Day. |
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About 11:00 a.m., the volunteers set out lunch for the patients
and families. There are sandwiches, chips or cookies, fruit, and
a beverage. |
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At noon, other volunteers set out a traditional Mexican lunch
for all the volunteers. Volunteers from Santa Ana, Son. grill
chicken and beef for fajitas. Everyone agrees that the delicious
lunch is one of the benefits of volunteering at The
Clinic—helping the children is the most important benefit, of
course. |
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After lunch, final patient visits are made. Patients check out
in the Parish Hall where they see a pharmacist to review
prescriptions—how to take them and where to get them filled. |
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Return appointments are made, and those needing transportation
to the Border wait for the van or bus. By 4:00 p.m., most of the
patients are gone and another day of wonderful miracles and
great satisfaction has come and gone. |