Lake-Sumter Medical Society

We Care of Lake County, Inc.
Making a difference in the community with the assistance of volunteer physicians.

A not-for-profit organization founded by the Lake-Sumter Medical Society, We Care provides referrals for specialty care to the more than 30,000 disadvantage residents of Lake County. While We Care provides the referral service, the commitment by local health care providers makes the organization's mission a reality.

Physicians who accept and treat We Care referral clients are volunteers who give generously of their time, facilities, services, and skill. Their services are graciously donated.

While not receiving monetary benefits, volunteer providers gain the satisfaction of knowing they are helping less fortunate members of the Lake County community.

The We Care volunteer physicians' responsibility is to provide professional medical care. Staff of the We Care office coordinates other client services which the physician deems necessary, such as radiological and lab testing, referrals, and prescription assistance.

The We Care Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders who represent a balanced cross section of the Lake County health care community. We Care of Lake County receives fiscal support from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties.

For the current fiscal year (2007-08) We Care has addressed the need for specialized medical services by receiving approximately $1.5M in donated specialty services.

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Why Volunteer?

Community Asset
Physicians who volunteer with We Care assist the community overall by keeping local residents in good health. When people in the community are forced to compromise their health due to lack of financial resources, the effects are wide spread and frequently result in them becoming nonproductive members of the community. Providing medical care to We Care participants helps them to return to good health which is a big step towards them becoming self-sufficient and productive members of the Lake County Community.

Schedule Flexibility
Volunteer physicians have the flexibility to incorporate indigent patient care into their schedule at times which is conducive to them. An important aspect of this program is to reduce outcalls and prevent future emergency room visits to physicians who take calls at local hospitals.

Sovereign Immunity
The Florida Department of Health's Volunteer Health Care Provider Program provides liability protection from state-sponsored sovereign immunity. This Florida statute extends liability protection to providers if a lawsuit results from services rendered under the auspices of We Care.

Who Does We Care Serve?

Current residents of Lake County who have residency established for the prior six (6) months with a diagnosed condition requiring specialty care that is not elective or cosmetic. In addition, clients of We Care must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and have household income 200% or less of the federal poverty level guidelines. Client must be uninsured and not seeking disability. Further, clients may not be currently involved in litigation for worker's compensation, accident, or other claims.

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Who Refers to We Care?

• Lake County Health Department
• Community Health Care Centers
• Leesburg Community Medical Care Center
• Leesburg Community Health Center
• Eustis Community Primary Health Clinic
• South Lake Health Clinic (Clermont)
• South Lake Family Health Center (Groveland)
• Participating We Care physicians

For further information or volunteer opportunities:

Kevin McFall, Executive Director
We Care of Lake County, Inc.
PO Box 1069
Tavares, FL 32778
(352) 742-6595
wecarekmcfall@embarqmail.com

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