The Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation
Annual Report
For year ending December 31, 2021
Report prepared by: Gerry Ramos - Executive Director
The Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation Inc. is a 501 C-3 corporation.
Free Medical Clinic
As of December 31, 2021, The PCCCF Free Medical Clinic has provided medical care to 3,782 under- and uninsured people, who have visited the Clinic 17,121 times-receiving about $3,965,530 worth of health care, laboratory fees and medications given free since its doors opened in 2000.
We continued our requests for grants as the clinic is most in need of additional funds to pay for medications and their refills, non-routine lab materials and supplies for all different services rendered. As we continuously monitor patients with high cholesterol, hypertension, asthma and diabetes, we require periodic and more testings that result in additional usage of our diagnostic materials. Dynacare gave the laboratory services free up to Jan 1, 2013 when they started to charge 50%. Dynacare has been taken over by LabCorp who has been charging full amounts and has not yet committed to free or discounted services. As our operational costs had gone up it has become difficult and prohibitive to help our patients avail of free lab services.
At some point in 2021, with the support of Hayat Pharmacy, our Free Clinic was able to vaccinate and give Covid19 booster shots to patients. As we do not have the budget for that, we have not been able to continue the process on our own.
In 2021, Due to the pandemic & CDC restrictions, only 364 patient visits were made to the Clinic, at a cost of $ 159,907 for medical services (by doctors and nurses), medication, vaccines, flu shots, laboratory, x rays and other treatments provided free to the patients.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the Milwaukee County Department of Park Services disallowed patients inside the clinic. As an alternative way of servicing our patients, we conducted Drive-thru free clinic services but still following strict CDC guidelines. Patients were approached in their cars by nurses and staff in PP Equipment, as they interviewed, checked for patients vitals . They consulted with the doctors , who, after diagnosing their conditions, provided prescriptions and free medications to our patients.
During the winter months, a heated tent was set up outdoors for the medical health providers and staff to allow for a safe environment. As restrictions improved, we opened up the clinic following the CDC guidelines requiring the use of masks, regulating the flow and limiting the number of people per space, observing safe distance, intermittent sanitizing of used spaces and providing disinfectants for the use of the patients and volunteers. All of the ancillary products for a safe environment equated to additional costs and went beyond the regular budget. The clinic had to purchase four sophisticated and hi-tech equipment utilizing UV light and ozone system to ensure proper disinfection of the clinic waiting, registration, office, triage, examination , laboratory and dispensary rooms.
The normal schedule of the PCCCF Free Medical Clinic is to open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. This regular schedule will be followed once State, County and CDC Covid 19 guidelines will permit it without any disruptions.
Health Fair
In partnership with the Milwaukee County Parks Department, the PCCCF held its annual 6th Health Fair last August 28, 2021 and offered free health screenings. Participants learned about healthy lifestyle, smoking cessation, breast cancer awareness and the need for regular medical and dental care, while enjoying games, activities and entertainment for the whole family. The first 200 participants were given a free Health Fair T-Shirt donated by the Children’s Community Health Plan. Participants were also provided give-aways and educational materials by the different participating organizations. A special addition at the last health fair was the Community Shredding Booth and giving away of reading eyeglasses.
Children’s Workshop and Literacy Program
The Children’s Workshop & Literacy Program focus on developing reading, physical, mental and creative skills. The children had a chance to meet the authors and illustrators during some book reading events. Books are continuously given free to the children. We have Book Kiosks/Little Libraries installed and running at Zablocki Park. Kohl’s Care Wild Theater, the Milwaukee Art Museum and the American Veterans Legion Post 416 continue to be active partners in our goal to benefit the children and adults.
Last August 1, 2021, we gave away backpacks with school supplies in during our Back to School event. Clothes will also be distributed during the back to school and health fair events as part of our community outreach.
Community Outreach
Our continuing outreach programs included distribution of new clothing to the homeless in partnership with St. John’s Cathedral during their Feed The Hungry program, distribution of clothes and books to the students of La Escuela Fratney at their Lunch program, and distribution of clothes to the homeless veterans thru the American Legion Post 416.
We also engaged in zoom discussions with the FASO students at the University of Wisconsin in Madison regarding cultural, language, history, traditions, practices and various topics of common interests.
Ukelele classes were also offered to the children and seniors at the Philippine Center at Zablocki.
|
