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Denise’s story

Denise suffered a constant, dull burning sensation in her stomach for more than two weeks. She was weak, unable to eat, drink or sleep comfortably. She lost 10 pounds and even felt a tingling in her limbs and face. The symptoms were causing her such anxiety, she was unable to concentrate or do much of anything. Denise finally gave up and went to the emergency room.

She was seen in the emergency room and given a prescription for medication with the instructions to follow up with a gastroenterologist. Unemployed and uninsured, Denise did not go to a doctor and was only able to afford to fill the prescription for about a month. Her symptoms returned and, after she could no longer stand it, she sought help through the Clackamas County Health Department. Nurse Practitioner Elisa Engebretson arranged to refer Denise to Project Access NOW.

Project Access NOW is a broad based community initiative that builds access to health care for low-income and uninsured people in the Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area by coordinating a network of volunteer physicians, clinics, hospitals, and other health care providers. By helping people navigate the healthcare system, we can get them the care they need. Today.

Thanking Brenda Abraham, MSN,
FNP-C, and Gastroenterology
Specialists of Oregon

After moving to the Portland area about five years ago, nurse practitioner Brenda Abraham joined Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon. When the practice began seeing patients referred by Project Access NOW, she was happy to participate from the very beginning. She and her colleagues see several Project Access NOW patients each week.

After patients undergo a procedure, they meet with Ms. Abraham to discuss the findings and come up with a plan for treatment. This often involves education, medications, and a plan for lifestyle changes.

Project Access NOW partners
with Komen for the Cure

If you missed our Texas Hold-em Tournament fundraiser in November, you missed a great time. The tournament was generously hosted by Dr. Mark Rosenberg, the immediate past chair of our board of directors. Fifty percent of the donated “buy-in” proceeds went to Project Access NOW and we invited the top three players at the end of the night to each select a charitable beneficiary of the remaining “winnings.” After all, collaboration is what Project Access NOW is all about.

We were pleasantly surprised when the tournament winner, Nik Kresse, selected Susan G. Komen for the Cure for his share.

Thank You LifeWise Health Plan
of Oregon, Our Newest
Stakeholder!

We are thrilled to introduce you all to our most recent Health Care Stakeholder – LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon. Like all of our Stakeholders, LifeWise is financially supporting Project Access NOW because it recognizes the importance of connecting people to health care right now.

LifeWise shares the value of collaboration with Project Access NOW and realizes that we need many sectors, organizations and individuals to work together to address the daunting challenges we face as a community.

“We are pleased to partner with Project Access NOW and join their efforts to improve the overall health of our communities,” said Shannon Armani, LifeWise Director of Health Care Delivery Systems.

Ensure adequate access to care.
Today.

Every $1 we spend means we are able to provide $10.24 of healthcare costs. That’s a return on investment of over 1,000%!

Your contribution will help the low-income uninsured get the care they need. Today.

Thank you for your support!

Collaboration

Project Access NOW operates in strategic partnership with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, regional Project Access partners, and many generous health care partners.

Upcoming events

Family and Friends Night, 2/21, McMenamin’s Ram’s Head
Oregon and SW Washington Health Literacy Conference, 3/9, Multnomah Athletic Club
2012 Bridges to Healthcare, 3/20, Portland Hilton – Learn more >

Details >

Staff profile: Perla Quiroz

Perla worked in various roles at the Multnomah County Health Department off and on for many years. When her position was eliminated due to a funding shortfall, she became a self-employed interpreter.

Because of her work with the county, she had many clients in need of her services, but Perla felt the pull to be part of a community-focused organization.