When Joe Roach, MD, retired after practicing medicine for almost 55 years, he thought he might get to play a little more golf and tennis. However, after seeing an appeal in his church bulletin for physician volunteers at North Dallas Shared Ministries Free Medical Clinic, the call to help those in need outweighed all other thoughts. Like most retired physicians, he had retained his medical license, but had let his malpractice insurance lapse. But when he learned that North Dallas Shared Ministries (NDSM) provided malpractice insurance for physicians who volunteer at their clinic, that was all the incentive he needed to volunteer. Although Dr Roach sporadically had volunteered at other sites before he retired, he says volunteering at NDSM by far has been the most rewarding-especially as a pediatrician helping children who slip through the healthcare system's cracks in receiving their immunizations. NDSM has been successful in reaching uninsured patients, partly because of its religious affiliation. Patients trust their churches rather than the healthcare system, and feel more comfortable receiving their medical care through an established neighborhood church's medical clinic.

In 1983, NDSM was established after 45 congregations realized that by combining their efforts to respond to the needs of the community, they could be more effective than trying to meet them individually. Judy Rorrie, NDSM executive director, also began volunteering at NDSM after answering her church bulletin ad. Ms Rorrie staffed the reception desk and interviewed clients at the ministry a few days a week. By 1989, her part-time work had evolved into a full-time responsibility and she now oversees the day-to-day operations. Although she has the title of executive director and the 60-plus hour work week that comes with it, she still is a volunteer, having never received a paycheck for her dedication. With a staff of 450 volunteers and one part-time staff person, volunteers handle all responsibilities at NDSM.

The average client at NDSM has a take-home pay of $800 to $1000 a month-while others barely exceed the federal government's poverty levels and are unable to qualify for public assistance. Both, however, struggle to simply pay the rent and buy groceries. Most patients do not have a primary care provider and usually seek medical treatment only through a hospital emergency room.

The combined efforts of the congregations allow NDSM to serve 18 ZIP codes in the North Dallas area. They offer an array of services-emergency food and hygienic supplies; financial assistance; employment assistance; eyeglasses for children; adult literacy classes; citizenship preparation classes; and tax preparation assistance.

As NDSM outreach efforts began to expand, so did the need for a larger building. When the building lease was up for renegotiation in 1999, NDSM was faced with the decision of whether to relocate. At the same time its lease came up, the space adjacent to its present site became available. As Ms Rorrie likes to put it, "That was the spark that ignited the big flame." Although NDSM was able to provide basic services to those in need, many of those same people were faced with health needs that NDSM could not meet. After talking to administrators at area schools and Parkland Health & Hospital System, NDSM leaders determined four areas of need: medical care, dental services, legal services, and a clothes closet.

After gauging the community support for NDSM to expand and stay put, NDSM decided to take up the challenge to meet the needs of the community. In April 2000, it opened a free medical clinic, clothes closet, and thrift shop-with donated tools and materials, volunteer staff, and an enhanced commitment to serve those most in need. The medical clinic sees about 30 patients two nights a week, and hopes to expand those nights as the ranks of physician volunteers expand.

If you want more information about community services or would like to volunteer at NDSM, contact Connie Webster, DCMS director of community service, at 214-948-3622 or connie@dallas-cms.org.