Robert J. Paeglow MD ~ Albany NY
"I've come to the realization that life is not designed for our comfort, or pleasure, but for us to discover our gifts and contribute what we can to make life better for others." Dr. Robert Paeglow
humanism in medicine award touching story 33 CENTS".
KOINONIA NEEDS TO RAISE $165,000 TO BECOME A FREE STANDING ARTICLE 28 CLINIC. THIS IS THE ONLY WAY THEY CAN RECEIVE STATE AID.
In 2010, Albany is facing the closing of major hospitals, which leaves many members of the community, especially those with Medicaid or no insurance with few or no option for medical care. Dr. Bob Paeglow and Koinonia has stood fast, through all the economic changes, as a beacon of light for all.
In a time where most are concerned with personal income and advancement, return on investment, and their own comforts, this clinic has continued to treat those in need, NEVER TURNING AWAY A PATIENT FOR LACK OF PAYMENT. Dr. Bob treats uninsured patients on a daily basis and routinely makes charitable adjustments for these patients , amounting to nearly 100,000 a year in lost revenue. CLICK HERE FOR OVERVIEW OF CLINIC COST VERSUS INCOME.
Dr. Bob's clinic has not
1)received funding from the Federal government.
2) received funding from the State
3) received large donations to renovate the building.
4) been adequately compensated by large insurance carriers.
5) turned away anyone in need.
6) given up hope.
The clinic brings in approximately $23,000 each month. This may sound like a good amount of money to some, but when you look at the totals needed to just keep the doors open, it doesn't even cover those expenses. For a breakdown of those costs see CLINIC OVERHEAD
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Given this struggling economy, many are turning their heads, looking away from the needs of the poor and underpriveleged, the sick and suffering, the depressed and addicted.
Dr. Robert Paegow has never looked away. "Dr Bob" continues his mission daily ,hoping to realize his dream of a full service non profit clinic that can meet the physical ,emotional, and spiritual needs of the people who live in the West Hill Region of NY; one of the poorest, and most dangerous section of Albany County, NY.
The Neighborhood
Where a child is caught in the middle of a drive-by shooting.. Where precious life can be snuffed out in a blink of an eye.... Where the teens turn to drugs and gangs because there is no safe haven for them.... Where mothers resort to prostitution to feed their children.....Where so many have been "lost and forgotten"....Robert Paeglow maintains hope that the region can and will be transformed. That has been his dream.
Unfortunately, the dream has been halted, and he needs your help.
The Dream
To fully understand what Dr Bob stands for and why we support him, you must watch this short video: Humanism if video does not start,then click on "News and Events" humanism in medicine award
Working tirelessly since 2001, Dr. Paeglow and his staff have set out on a mission: to care for the uninsured and underinsured regardless of ability to pay. The goal is to receive from NY State the Non Profit status that will allow further oppurtunity, growth, expansion, outreach,and generational inpact in this poor inner city community. He has come so very far, just to fall short in the final hours.
Last year, the Department of Health approved Dr Bob's practice as being eligible for Non Profit, Article 28 status. This will allow the clinic to receive grants to further the services it provides to the community. Some of these additional services would be:
Prevention clinics and screenings
Mental Health Care
Nutrition Services
Vision and Dental care
Holistic care
Increased Lab services
Prenatal and OB Care
Social Services
Increased Education Services
Read about former Surgeon General Dr. Novello's work at Koinonia in 2009
The Challenge
In order for the Non Profit clinic to receive final approval from NY State, the building in which the clinic operates has to be transformed and updated to comply with specific codes. The building was originally the home of the Guardian Society. It is a lovely old building, with its historic relevance and character intact, but in need of much repair.
It has a single elevator which needs repair. The layout of the clinic has to be restructured/redesigned to meet State requirements. Each examining room by law must have running water. This entails extensive plumbing revisions. Due to HIPAA privacy regulations, the wide open and welcoming waiting room and reception desk must be completly renovated to allow for privacy and other safety isses. The skylight must be completely closed due to safety concerns. All the electrical must be upgraded to allow for future equipment and technology upgrades (The clinic in integrating an electronic medical record system, through a partnership/incentive with CDPHP insurance plan. Most, if not all, of the computer equipment is second hand, and has been donate.) Numerous doorways,entrances, and bathrooms must be upgraded.
The total dollar amount needed as of this posting is $165,000.
The practice had a deadline for the renovations that has long passed, however, the State has granted a six month extension to raise the necessary funds.
This money must be raised by November 1, 2009 in order for the project to move forward. (now extended to may 2010)
As far as Dr. Paeglow doing fundraising, well.. he will not "promote" himself, He is far too humble. He has great faith however, that "all things will work towards the good" of the practice and the heart of the mission.
Now, this is where WE come in! the "Friends of Dr Bob Paeglow."(FODBP)
We beleive that we can get the word out at a "grass roots" level, and raise this money for Dr Bob. All tax deductible funds must go directly to www.drbobcares or Compassion in Action. We can not directly collect any funds for them.
It is your personal choice whether you want your name/amount listed, and we will post whatever message you want to send out. At the clinics grand openeing, we will present a framed certificate to Dr Bob with the names of all the "friends of Dr Bob Paeglow" who helped to make this possible.
The Heart
READ DR BOB'S INSPIRING STORY OF HIS FIRST AFRICAN MISSION TRIP EXPERIENCE.
Read more Dr. Bob's Awards/Recognition : Humanism in Medicine Award Jefferson Award
Dr. Paeglow is also an extroidinary teacher/professor in Albany. Read more about papa duck
Contact us:
F.O.D.B.P. toll free: 1-877-263-3245 x 5
or call Dr. Bob toll-free at 1-877-227-3969
Friends: give@friendsofdrbobpaeglowcom
Koinonia Email: rtap2@msn.com