RED BANK — In the ever increasingly expensive world of health care, an operation like the Parker Family Clinic can certainly use every dollar it can get.
A recent $100,000 donation could help the clinic realize its mission of providing medical services to the working poor and the uninsured.
Dr. Eugene Cheslock, chairman of the clinic’s board, announced recently that the facility was given $100,000 from a private citizen. It is the largest single donation the clinic has received, he said.
"It just knocked me off my feet," Cheslock said.
The gift was given to the clinic by Joseph Fahey, chief executive officer of Health Software, Farmingdale, and a resident of Fair Haven.
"I’ve known Joe a long time and he has always been terrific," Cheslock said.
Fahey told Cheslock he hoped the donation would "set an example," Cheslock said. When contacted, Fahey said that he considered an anonymous donation, but hoped his public gesture would help get others involved.
"I think what this represents is the issue that the clinic, and what it’s doing, speaks for itself," Cheslock said.
"I think there is a real need [for the work the clinic does] with the recent immigrants who have moved into the community," Fahey said.
Some of those who have recently arrived, Fahey said, may be undocumented and are afraid to go to the doctor or hospital, even if they suffer from chronic, and possibly life-threatening, conditions.
"It’s sort of a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy," Fahey said of the clinic’s operating procedures.
The clinic treats anyone confidentially, regardless of immigration or insurance status, or the ability to pay.
"The word is getting out to the community that it’s ‘no questions asked,’ " Fahey said.
The clinic is housed in a converted construction trailer, located at 211 Shrewsbury Ave., and, according to Fahey, only has a little over a year left on its lease. So the clock is ticking to find a permanent location.
"They needed a little backing now to get the ball rolling and get the numbers up," he said.
The clinic opened its doors in July to help address the needs of those who lack insurance or access to appropriate health care.
So far the clinic has treated approximately 650 patients, some of whom have traveled from as far away as Keyport and Neptune.
Cheslock said the donation will help offset the clinic’s annual budget of $230,000.
One of the largest expenses the clinic faces is the cost of pharmaceutical medication, as well as the cost of required malpractice insurance, Cheslock said.
Many of those who visit the clinic suffer from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease, and the cost of medication to treat these ailments, as well as other medications such as antibiotics, can be very expensive, Cheslock said.
"This was something very unique," said clinic coordinator Mary Nicosia about Fahey’s generosity.
Nicosia also said Fahey had previously donated $4,500 for the purchase of an echocardiogram machine for the clinic.
"I think Mr. Fahey was especially impressed with the clinic," Nicosia said.
"This is a perfect gesture from a caring community wishing to address its own problems and become part of the solution," Cheslock said.