Wellness Clinic launches new Web page

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PRINCETON — A new Web site is bringing improved options to persons contacting the Bureau County Health and Wellness Clinic in Princeton.

BCHWC Director Kate Terlep has announced the launch of the clinic’s new redesigned, secure Web page, which now allows persons to schedule appointments and refill prescriptions online.

“It takes less time to order online than over the phone, and the Web site is available 24/7,” Terlep said Thursday.

The online forms send the prescription refill information to the BCHWC via a secure e-mail, Terlep said. In addition to the refill option, visitors can also use the Web site forms to volunteer their time, services, goods or supplies. Financial donations are handled simply and securely by check or credit card using PayPal, an online financial transaction service, Terlep said.

The new Web design was coded and is maintained, by Thomas Poff, a volunteer sponsored by Experience Works, Terlep said. The clinic’s Web address is http://bchwclinic.org.

Located at 500 Elm Place in Princeton, the BCHWC opened its doors in November 2002. The clinic provides free health care and medications to uninsured and under-served residents of Bureau and LaSalle counties, Terlep said. The clinic sees about 215 to 250 people per month and also provides about 400 prescriptions a month, exclusive of the Prescription Assistance Program medications distributed to the clinic by the pharmaceutical companies, Terlep said.

  “Access to health care is a basic human right, and the clinic exists to provide compassionate, quality health care for every patient,” Terlep said.

Volunteers are an essential component to the clinic’s operation, the BCHWC director said. About 15 professionals, including doctors, nurses, a pharmacist and lawyer, volunteer their time and services. Also, the CEOs of Perry Memorial Hospital and St. Margaret’s Health serve on the clinic’s board of directors, and those hospitals provide free lab services, Terlep said. The clinic also has about 20 active volunteers who help with fundraisers and are trained to work in the clinic’s office or pharmacy.

The clinic is financially supported through its volunteers, grants and donations from individuals, churches and organizations. BCHWC is a 501c3 not-for-profit organization.

Upcoming fundraisers for the clinic include a trivia night on May 31, a bicycle raffle on June 3 and a golf benefit on June 28.

On a personal note, Terlep said she’s glad to be involved with the BCHWC.

“I enjoy being able to give back to the community in such a unique way,” Terlep said. “I like instant gratification, and being able to see someone come in sick and depressed and then leave feeling better and hopeful is absolutely wonderful.”

The BCHWC is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The phone number is (815) 879-8794.

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