Columnist Sandra Thompson: Clinic fills in gaps in adolescents’ services

Sandra Thompson

Sunday, Jan. 24, 1999 | 9:52 a.m.

A TEENAGE GIRL, with an anxious look about her, approaches the reception desk.

"Can I get some birth control pills?" she asks the woman sitting there.

"You'll need a Pap smear. I can make an appointment for you," the woman replies.

"I need them now," the girl says. "The accident happened today."

After a short discussion, the girl's situation becomes clearer. Apparently she had had sex that day and was afraid she would become pregnant. She wanted something like a "morning-after" pill.

The woman tells her not to worry about this now, to wait and see if she gets her period.

The girl is one of more than 100 youths who visit the Huntridge Teen Clinic each week. It's a primary care clinic for adolescents ages 12 to 18.

The medical clinic, supported by the Clark County Health District and a state grant, was started in 1985 by a nonprofit group, Epicenter Inc. Although the group included members of the neighboring Christ Episcopal Church, the clinic is not run by or sponsored by the church.

Last month, a dental clinic was added, which was a dream come true for clinic director Deb Varga.

"It's my puppy," she says proudly.

The idea had been in the works for two years, she says, but she made it a priority when she was hired last August. She says 30 area dentists volunteer their services on a regular basis. The patient's cost: $10 no matter what needs to be done. Many of these kids, Varga says, had never been to a dentist before.

The clinic conducts sports and camp physicals (also for $10), but the other services -- testing for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy tests and Pap smears -- are free. Girls can receive a free three-month supply of birth control pills if they need them. Because of rising fees, the clinic just last week started charging $5 for lab work. However, that's still a bargain.

Everything about the medical clinic is confidential. Parents can only discuss a case if the teen consents.

The dental clinic is different because a parent must give his/her permission for any procedure to be performed.

Three registered nurses with master's degrees staff the medical clinic, Varga says. The Clark County Health District gives them medical supplies. The nurses see youths with minor ailments such as earaches and sore throats. They also monitor kids with diabetes.

"People who need our services fall between the gaps of insurance," nurse Pat Alpert says.

Teens learn about the clinic primarily by word of mouth. School nurses also refer them there.

"Ideally, we should have these type of clinics in the schools, but school-based clinics are controversial," Alpert says. "This is a neutral area."

Youths from all across the Las Vegas Valley come to the clinic, tucked in the back of a building adjacent to Christ Episcopal Church on Maryland Parkway at St. Louis Avenue. The exam rooms are adequate and clean. The dental equipment was donated.

The furniture in the waiting room is comfortable but old. Varga says a girl walked into the clinic one day and asked where Jan and Cindy were because she thought the furniture was from a "Brady Bunch" set.

The program operates on a budget of about $50,000, Varga says, but she expects a deficit this year. Varga hopes to raise additional money through corporate sponsors.

The clinic operates 4-8 p.m. Mondays, 3-8 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays and noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Every other month a public health nurse conducts well-baby clinics there.

The clinic doesn't encourage kids to be sexually active, but is there for those who are. Condoms are distributed free of charge.

Varga, a mother of three who has a "real soft spot for teens," says the staff tries to provide a safe environment for the kids, as well as some TLC.

"Most parents seem glad we're here and available for the kids," she says. "Some parents would be shocked to know their kids are here."