LEE WE CARE

(239) 332-9510

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

Lee We Care began in May, 1995 as a joint venture between the Lee County Medical Society, all local hospitals, and the health department to give free health care to uninsured, poor residents of Lee County. It was designed to help those persons with medical needs who would otherwise "fall through the cracks" of our current health care delivery system.

Referrals come from four non-profit primary care agencies and are referred for specialty care only. When the condition no longer requires the specialist’s intervention, the patient returns to the primary care agency for continued health care.

Members of the medical society and other local health care practitioners volunteer their time and expertise. The health department provides sovereign immunity for those volunteers who choose it. Judith Hartner, M.D., M.P.H. is the project director for Lee We Care. As Director of the health department, member of the medical society, as well as Co-Chair of its Public Health and School Health Committee, she "bridges" both organizations.

As of February, 1999 a total of 94 volunteers representing 23 specialties are members of Lee We Care. These physicians rotate by specialty so that the workload is spread evenly. Volunteers generally have each agreed to treat up to twelve Lee We Care patients per year, although a few have limited their participation to fewer patients and a few have volunteered to treat as many patients as necessary to meet the need. In fiscal year 97/98, the Lee We Care volunteers provided approximately $589,431 worth of care to 308 individuals.

Doctor Hartner congratulates the Lee County Medical Society "for its leadership in establishing this wonderful volunteer program! These fine doctors recognized the desperate straits some of our less fortunate community members found themselves in and, as a group, committed themselves to doing something about it. They are making a tremendous difference in the lives of the people who go through this program. Those of us in public health organizations are extremely grateful for their selflessness and dedication to the well-being of the community."