Larry Penkava
Staff Writer
ASHEBORO —
Merce Medical Resource Center celebrated National Health Center Week last Wednesday with tours of its facilities.
Both the Health Care Center at 1831 N. Fayetteville St. and Dental Center at 308 Brewer St. had open houses and provided free services such as blood pressure checks and dental hygiene education.
Merce opened on Oct. 26, 1993, as a free clinic one day a week in limited space at the Randolph County Health Department.
It was the brainchild of concerned residents of the county who wanted to offer health care for those without means to pay.
Merce moved into its own building on North Fayetteville Street in 1998 and eventually opened the free-standing Dental Center.
“The uninsured make up about 68 percent of our patients,” said CEO Hazel Boyd. “We’re helping some apply with Medicaid. (The Department of Social Services) will have a person doing eligibility (for Medicaid). Many who get other help continue with Merce.”
One of those patients who have stayed with Merce after acquiring insurance is Donna Price.
She’s now a member of the board of directors.
“I’ve been a patient since 2006,” she said, explaining that the plant where she was working shut down, leaving her without health insurance. “I came here to apply and was accepted.”
Price said she applied for and received Medicaid benefits but has continued to receive her medical treatments at Merce.
“I could have gone elsewhere but I stayed here because of the quality of care,” she said. “They work as a team. It’s a wonderful place to come.”
Later, she asked to be on the board, not only for her patient’s input but also for her background in purchasing and in the medical field.
“I offer something businesswise and by being a patient,” Price said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes and growth from all the board members’ suggestions. They’ve added space, doctors and employees. They take good care of your, from the time you come in the door to when you leave.
“They’re always smiling and friendly,” Price added. “That means a lot when you come in.”
Boyd said Merce is required by law to have a board of directors that consists of at least 51 percent patients.
“They have a voice in what happens,” she said.
Merce has a sliding fee scale based on income. There is a $20 minimum copay for health care visits and a $50 minimum for dental care. Although the facility originated to help the needy, anyone can receive care at the facilities.
Boyd said Merce has a $2.5 million annual budget. Health and dental have a combined patient load of more than 5,000, with between 12,000 and 14,000 visits a year.
“We’re up about 15 percent from last year, mostly uninsured,” said Boyd.
