INDIANAPOLIS — For some Hoosiers, the everyday stresses of life may get in the way of visiting a doctor's office for their annual checkup, but on Saturday, Nov. 16, staff and volunteers with Ascension St. Vincent bridged that gap by bringing the doctor's office to them by hosting their eighth annual "Medical Mission at Home."
"This is the mission of Ascension St. Vincent to take care of our most vulnerable patients," Dr. Alan Bercovitz said.
They lived up to that mission by opening the doors of St. Monica Catholic Church and giving free medical services, coats and food support to more than 400 people.
"It's right before the holidays. No matter what faith, or tradition one is, this gets us all focused on what's to come next month as we take care of each other," Bercovitz said.
It was a one-stop-shop. It had everything including flu vaccines, pharmacy, foot washing, physical therapy and event dental screenings. It made it easy for the people who needed it most to get the care that they needed.
"I did pharmacy services where if you need meds they'll provide those to you at no cost. Foot washing, oh how heavenly. They'll test your blood sugar," said Barbara Richards, who attended the event.
Bercovitz said the need is real in the community. He said many people there struggled with barriers like transportation, financial and language.
"Not only does this serve the need today, but it also serves the need moving forward for people to get the care that they need. Not only medical care, but support care," Bercovitz said.
"There's a lot of people who don't speak English. Coming here is helpful because they're able to interpret," Richards said.
The staff hoped the event would be the first step in making sure people there know medical care is always within reach, no matter who they are. All they have to do is call.
"This isn't a one-time stop and no more. There's follow up," Richards said.