Our speakers last week were Austin Kraft and Cathy Maes, both from the AM Club. They came to our meeting to present exciting news.

ICA is helping set up a free medical clinic to serve the present ICA client base. The new clinic, to be called Mills Health Clinic, will be located adjacent to the ICA main office in Minnetonka Mills. The clinic will provide the same care as a standard family clinic at no cost to the eligible patients. They have the building already, and are awaiting final approval of the building changes by the Minnetonka City Council. Initial funding of $100,000 is partially met ($55,000), and they are busy writing grant requests for the additional money. They expect to be open and receiving patients in January, 2013. Because of space issues, there will be no room for a dental service at the clinic.

The idea of a supporting health clinic was presented to ICA two years ago, but legal problems made it appear impossible.  Last year, a revised plan was presented which overcame the legal obstacles, and the planning began. A separate non-profit is being formed which will operate the clinic. The Board of Directors is already in place, and helping with the planning and implementation of the plans. Staffing will be composed of qualified, licensed volunteers.

What can we do to help? Cathy and Austin suggested 3 areas where our individual help is important: (1) volunteer to work, (2) inform others of the clinic and the opportunities involved, and (3) help with the funding. The contact would be either Cathy (at ICA) or Austin.