SPRING HILL, Fla. — In growing Hernando County, there is no shortage of health care facilities. However, the Crescent Community Clinic in Spring Hill is different. It’s the only free clinic in the county.
“It is vitally important because we have so many people who are uninsured, who are indigent, who are underserved and don’t have access to health insurance,” clinic executive director Christina Reyes said. “This is a big problem in Hernando County.”
In its 16 years of operation, the Crescent Clinic has now seen 1 million patient visits, and the need continues to grow. Most of the people served here are working and poor.
"It’s really unfortunate. We see people here with chronic diseases that advance to a point where it’s really hard to reverse or control and people say they haven’t seen a doctor in 5 years, 10 years,” said Dr. Husam Abuzarad, who helped start the clinic.
Longtime patient Victoria Blackwell says the care she’s received at the clinic has been essential to her health and if doors closed, she’d be stranded.
“I do not have any other place to turn to if it closed,” she said.
Besides checkups, sometimes the clinic can also help with medications and equipment. However, — here’s the real medical miracle going on here — the clinic receives no money from the government and nearly everyone is a volunteer. Doctors, nurses and office staff all give of their time.
“I love helping the patients here because they really need the help,” said Beverly Stephens, a retired nurse.
In the sea signs for medical clinics you see along the roadway, the Crescent Community Clinic stands out for its heart and help.
“It’s a great feeling when you make a difference in a people’s life,” Abuzarad said. “It’s an amazing feeling.”