OPERATION USA MEETS URGENT NEEDS FOR
LOCAL NON-PROFIT HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

Finding affordable healthcare in the United Sates is becoming an increasingly desperate situation.  While politicians discuss the feasibility of universal health care, non-profit community clinics continue to provide quality care to millions of uninsured and underinsured in California, regardless of their ability to pay.  Operation USA is proud to be supporting these local agencies through our Community Clinics Supply Program.  Specifically, we host a quarterly Open House at our Port of Los Angeles warehouse, inviting our partners to pick up much needed materials, meet the Operation USA staff, and socialize with one another.

On Wednesday, February 20, clinics from throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties braved the stormy weather and congested freeways for another exciting Open House.  Over 30 agencies and more than 100 representatives “shopped” our Port of Los Angeles warehouse for critical supplies and medicines donated by our corporate partners and distributed free of charge.  Recently awarded a wholesaler permit by the California Board of Pharmacy, Operation USA distributed prescription medicines including antihistamines, antidepressants, and birth control pills.  The clinics were eager to receive these pharmaceuticals, in addition to other useful items, ranging from disposable safety syringes and gauze to diagnostic equipment and office furniture. The value of these materials helps the clinics to treat their patients as well as offset expensive operating costs.

According to one attendee, “OpUSA’s longstanding dedication to our work is invaluable.  Not only are the items useful, but we use the money we would have otherwise spent towards expanding our patient services.  The value of these Open House events far exceeds the price of the supplies.”

Nonprofit community clinics provide high quality care to all individuals, regardless of their ability to pay.  These safety-net clinics treat the growing number of uninsured and underinsured throughout Southern California, often with minimal financial assistance from local and state government agencies.

Through our Community Clinics Supply Program and our Open House events, Operation USA continues to support these clinics by meeting their critical supply needs, and helping them better serve the men, women, and children that use their services.  Our program is made possible in part through funding by the Southern California Regional Community Benefit Department of Kaiser Permanente, the Lincy Foundation, and, recently, the Annenberg Foundation.  Additionally, we receive generous supply donations from such partners as McKesson, Medline, PLDevelopments, and Brother’s Brother Foundation.

As the last clinic packed up a van full of medicines and supplies, Operation USA staff began tallying the total donation.  Over $1.2 million of supplies were distributed, marking another successful Open House.  The recipient clinics will not only better deliver their services but also help create healthier and safer communities for all of us.

Community clinics form the last line –the so-called safety net– for healthcare provision. While many these clinics rely upon Operation USA and our donors to meet basic needs, their communities rely heavily on them for healthcare and safety.

02/2008