Editorial: New clinic has big job

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003 | 9:05 a.m.

The plight of homeless people eased a bit Monday with the opening of a second federally funded medical clinic operated by Nevada Health Centers. The new clinic is at West Wilson Avenue at D Street, on the campus of the Las Vegas Rescue Mission.

With the opening of this new clinic, which features a physician's assistant, a medical assistant, a receptionist and three examination rooms, another 25 to 35 homeless people a day can now receive primary-care medical services. The other, larger Nevada Health Centers clinic, overseen by a full-time medical doctor, is on the campus of Catholic Charities at 1511 Las Vegas Blvd. North, between Foremaster Lane and Owens Avenue.

We are heartened by the opening but realize the need remains overwhelming. There are up to 10,000 homeless people in the Las Vegas Valley -- and two clinics, which together can see only 75 patients a day at the most.

Metro Police Sgt. Eric Fricker, who coordinates several programs to help the homeless, told the Sun: "This (the new clinic) won't even tip the scales on the side of adequate health care for the homeless ... but it's another building block."

In providing the money for the new clinic, the federal government saw the need. We wish our local governments would also acknowledge the need -- and likewise commit to adding another building block or two.