Support boosts spirits at clinic

Support boosts spirits at clinic
By Cindy Gonzalez
WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER


It won't be a cure-all, but the moral and financial support flowing into a south Omaha clinic has buoyed staff spirits and should temporarily help fill a gap in prenatal services to illegal immigrants.

Just days ago, staffers at OneWorld Community Health Center were feeling a bit beleaguered and disappointed, said medical director Dr. Kristine McVea.

They were even fielding some threatening calls from people angry that OneWorld was urging state officials to restore government-funded prenatal care for poor and illegal immigrant women.

“It's an odd position to be put in as a physician,” McVea said. “You don't usually think of caring for pregnant women as being controversial.”


The governor and state lawmakers have not restored the Medicaid coverage.

OneWorld staff, however, has been re-energized by other recent events.

Members of the public have donated $20 here, $100 there to help the clinic continue prenatal services to those who lost them.

A group of churches is organizing a June 13 fundraising concert. The Nebraska Association of Social Workers also is raising money.

“It can be disheartening, so you've got to find constructive channels to be part of the solution,” said the Rev. Howard Dotson of Westminster Presbyterian Church, who is helping coordinate the concert.