June 25, 2009, Gallipolis - Holzer Clinic and the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services are excited to announce that they have entered into a partnership to assist individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

Beginning on July 1st, 2009, a Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services (GCDFJS) caseworker will be located in Holzer Clinic’s Main facility at 90 Jackson Pike in Gallipolis to assist those in need of resources and assistance. The overarching goal is to ensure that those who need care receive care through the help of this new initiative. The Gallia County Commissioners, with governance over the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services, formally signed the Memorandum of Understanding at their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

This innovative program came into being from Holzer Clinic Chief Financial Officer, Tom Denbow’s desire to provide all members of the community with excellent and efficient healthcare bringing together the various resources available including health care coverage tools and resources, free screenings, insurance assistance programs, department of health initiatives and more. Holzer Clinic found a partner with the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services to make this goal a reality.

In addition to offering resources to those who are uninsured or underinsured, the GCDJFS caseworker located at the Clinic will also be offering the full range of services provided by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

The placement of this caseworker in Holzer Clinic will provide patients in need the avenue to gain medical coverage and assistance. This will be done through the use of government programs and aid. The caseworker will also take applications from patients who live in counties other than Gallia within Ohio and transfer them to the correct county. This is the first time a caseworker will provide that service in our region and it will greatly benefit Holzer Clinic patients who do not live in Gallia County. Because of this transfer service, Holzer Clinic patients can receive the support they need regardless of their residency.

Nathan Miller, Manager of Holzer Clinic’s Business Office, believes that this program will offer many benefits to GCDJFS, Holzer Clinic, and residents of the surrounding communities. This program will help the community in a time when the individuals need for health coverage is the greatest in our history according to Miller, and will also offer the county another access point to the GCDJFS services. “We are looking forward to the opportunity to work with the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services to benefit the patients of Gallia County and surrounding area. We anticipate that relations with the department will benefit through this program and hope that members of the community will gain a lot of benefit out of it as well,” Miller said.

Dana L. Glassburn Administrator/Director of the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services (GCDJFS) stated “Holzer Clinic has consistently demonstrated their commitment in providing a level of service that continues to grow and effectively meet the constantly increasing needs of our community. As such, we are humbled and privileged to have the opportunity to work with Holzer Clinic in providing this service. It takes collaborative efforts such as this to effectively serve our community to the best of our ability.”

To learn more about this benefit, visit the ODJFS remote office just behind the reception desk at Holzer Clinic after July 1, 2009, talk to your Holzer Clinic account representative today or visit our “Resources for Uninsured/Underinsured” section under the “Services” tab on our website at www.holzerclinic.com.

Holzer Clinic is a multiple discipline health care system of over 130 board certified physicians providing care in more than thirty areas of expertise. With nine locations throughout southeastern Ohio and western West Virginia, Holzer Clinic provides “Medical Excellence, coupled with Local Caring”.

Holzer Clinic is accredited by the Accreditation Association of Ambulatory Health Care.

For a complete list of services or to schedule an appointment, please call 740-446-5411 or visit us on the web at www.holzerclinic.com.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has developed a comprehensive strategic plan that strives to help Ohioans improve the quality of their lives. One thing that makes the ODJFS strategic plan unique is the way it links the agency’s measurement system directly to the goals and objectives in the plan. This linkage ensures alignment throughout the agency, better use of limited resources and agency wide accountability. For more information concerning Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services Work Opportunity Center, please call 740-446-3222 or visit us on the web at www.gallianet.net/DJFS.

Holzer Clinic… Medical Excellence, Local Caring.

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If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please contact MarJean Kennedy @ 740-441-3288 or MKEnnedy@holzerclinic.com.