Health care program receives $50,000

Project Access has $50,000 more to spend on prescription drugs for low-income patients.

Spokane County commissioners unanimously agreed Tuesday to allocate the money to the free health care organization.

Project Access treated its first patient in September 2003 and in the following year helped more than 700 people with doctors’ appointments, treatments, surgeries and prescription medicine.

The organization depends on the 640 doctors who donate their time, area hospitals who donate funding and services, and local jurisdictions that pay for medications, said Director John Driscoll.

With an annual budget of $400,000, the organization has been able to leverage $3.1 million in care.

“I think it’s a phenomenal project,” said Commissioner Mark Richard.

Any Spokane County resident without insurance and making less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level is eligible.

But since those making 100 percent or less of the federal poverty level can receive Washington state medical assistance, Project Access typically helps those between 100 and 200 percent, said Driscoll.

“In that niche, the majority of people are working,” he said.

A family of four with a household income of $38,700 or less is eligible for Project Access.

“If you can organize a delivery system so patients – instead of going to emergency rooms – have complete care and a regular doctor, you can also reduce costs,” Driscoll said.

And it’s not just basic care.

Next week a Project Access patient will receive robotic surgery at Sacred Heart Medical Center.

“Our patients get state-of-the-art care,” Driscoll said.

For more information on the program, call 325-5010, ext. 30 or go online to www.spcms.org/projectaccess.