OCHS Holds Fundraiser in Wellfleet

Wellfleet cocktail parties have a reputation for being awesome and the party yesterday at Gracie Smith’s beautiful home was no exception. It was exciting to hob-nob with guests, many of whom read this blog and told me so ... Fun!

The occasion was a fundraiser for Outer Cape Health, our community health care center. Medical staff members and doctors attended, as did several artists and playwrights, two former and one present Selectmen, shopkeepers, innkeepers, gallery owners, Senator Dan Wolf’s assistant Seth Rolbein, and a contingent from the Preservation Hall Board. The food was excellent and plentiful; the company, stimulating. I had heard about Gracie’s parties and must concur that she’s one amazing hostess. Gracie circulated, making sure everyone had a good time. Bruce Bierhans, President of the OCHS Board of Directors, worked the crowd in much the same way, as did CEO Sally Deane. The upbeat mood and congenial atmosphere made for a most enjoyable evening.

During the short “speeches” interlude, Sally Deane emphasized that OCHS, “makes it safe and possible to live here.” She mentioned the recent pharmacy creation and the OCHS Web site that features new video endorsement from Marge Piercy. Sally explained there’s a constant need for money not only to fund renovation projects, but because our community medical center helps 6000 people per year get on health insurance and serves their needs in the interim. No one in need is turned away. She then introduced Dr. Barbara Prazak, who has been “holding the fort of high-quality health care for 23 years.”

Our medical director said, “I’m proud to be working at OCHS with people I trust. We make every effort to take care of every patient.” Dr. Prazak mentioned the introduction of prenatal services, in partnership with Cape Cod Hospital, and of new specialty care with a cardiologist. She compared the 1961 Wellfleet building on Route 6 to a homemade apple pie, crumbling on the outside but oh so worthwhile inside. The crumbling will end thanks to a renovation project that will soon go before the Conservation Commission. Dr. Prazak also mentioned a new narcotic abuse recovery program and improvement of mental health services. She emphasized that most of the medical staff, herself included, are residents of the Outer Cape. “I live here, too. These are my neighbors. These are my friends,” she concluded to a round of applause.

What she was describing sounds ideal for our small town: community-oriented health care. Wellfleet is fortunate to have OCHS. Here is the crumbling "apple pie," with its nine examination rooms in one very small building. Summer visitors and tourists can also avail themselves of the excellent doctors and nurses who work here. Please remember to support Outer Cape Health Services as your circumstances allow ...

Why We Should All Support Outer Cape Health Services

Above, a shot of the garden in June for Alice, a blog reader who stopped by to say hello Sunday afternoon. I wonder if she has had the occasion, over the past 20 summers, to avail herself of the services of Outer Cape Health, as a non-resident? Last week I went in for a flu shot and was again amazed by how the local health center has evolved since our arrival on Cape Cod in 1997. While in the building, I was able to appreciate the level of professionalism and efficiency. Everyone is scurrying around, attending to patients. Waiting time has been considerably diminished. The administrative staff is friendly and zealous. The doctors are excellent. The skilled nurses go about their jobs with smiles. Angelo, the lab technician, is fabulous, hitting the bull's-eye with each prick of his needle. We are fortunate to have such competent medical staff here in Wellfleet, available for both residents and summer visitors alike.

In June, when my granddaughter bumped into the barbecue grill, burning her arm, I called OCHS and was told my son should bring her in immediately. My son and his wife were quite impressed with the care Juliette received. (By the time this photo was taken, she had fully recovered from the accident and was eagerly awaiting dinner at Moby's.)

Doctor Millhofer actually saved Sven's life two years ago with a diagnosis after a blood test, calling on Thanksgiving afternoon to tell me to get Sven to the emergency room and fast.

Outer Cape Health is seeking to add three new services at the Wellfleet location: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT), cardiology consultations, and orthopedic consultations, limited to orthopedic issues of the hand, arm, elbow and shoulder. This is most impressive, don't you think? OCHS also operates a new branch in Harwich and recently renovated the Provincetown facility. Finally, Wellfleetians have the convenience of shopping at Outer Cape Pharmacy, tucked into the middle of Doc. Callis's Courtyard, minutes away from Chez Sven.

OCHS began receiving patients in 1966. The building has served us well, but it's time for a new Care Campus. OCHS is busy raising funds for future expansion. If you would like to support our local medical center, consider tickets for the Cypress String Quartet at the Congregational Church three weeks from now, Dec. 7, at 7 pm, with a post-concert reception at Preservation Hall. Or, reserve today for the tribute to Bernard Greenhouse, February 1, 7:30 to 9:30, featuring Yo-Yo Ma. (This benefit concert is almost sold out, so hurry!)

While praising OCHS, I must include another regular blog reader, Attorney Bruce Bierhans, who is President of the Board. Congratulations on all that has been accomplished, on behalf of the Chezsven Blog community.

I cannot say enough good things about Outer Cape Health Services. The medical staff is there in our time of need. We should return the favor. Please consider a donation as 2011 draws to a close.