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215 W. 35th Street • Garden City, Idaho 83714 • www.genesisworldmission.org • 208.384.5218

Our Corner of the World w w w . g e n e s i s w o r l d m i s s i o n . o r g

“I am puzzled when, in my conversations with others, they say we have the ‘best health system’ in the world,” began Dr. Karl Watts, as he addressed the Boise City Club luncheon on May 5th in his address, “Is There Hope for Health Care in Idaho?” Based on his observations, Dr. Watts contends that unless systemic and fundamental change in health care is addressed, there will probably be a “health care implosion” in America. Dr. Watts has been central to many public conversations on the issue as a member of Governor Otter’s Select Committee on Healthcare.

For the past nine months, the committee has held public hearings in each region around the state, collecting testimonies and suggestions to deal with healthcare concerns. These concerns could become crises if not dealt with proactively: access to providers, quality, cost, and workforce availability. The committee will eventually make their own recommendations to Governor Otter, who has stated that

REPRESENTATIVE HENBEST HONORED AS HEALTHCARE CHAMPION

As part of promoting Covering the Uninsured Week, Genesis World Mission (GWM) hosted an event in May to recognize one of Idaho’s greatest advocates, retiring Representative Margaret Henbest. Ms. Henbest was honored for her leadership in health care by Former Governor Jim Risch, lawmakers, and other community members. In addition, Lt. Governor Risch officially proclaimed May 2, 2008 as “Margaret Henbest Day” in recognition of her public service to the people of Idaho. “She was always watching out for other’s health, one of the best things that ever happened for the legislature,” said Risch. Henbest was also presented with a Health Care Champion award by Dr. Karl Watts. "As a state legislator and a nurse practitioner, Rep. Henbest has taken the lead on many important health issues over the last 12 years, including the plight of the under-

insured" said Dr. Watts. "She has also served on many boards and coalitions focusing on improving health care services and is well respected on both sides of the aisle in the Legislature and the Statehouse." Rep. Henbest’s

passion for children, families and health care has been visible both in her volunteer time as well as in her work at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, where she is a part of the team at Family Advocacy Center and Education Services (FACES). She has evaluated over 1000 victims of abuse and neglect and serves as an expert witness in criminal and civil courts. Not only does she work hard for children and families but she has passed this passion on to others while at Boise State University where she taught, supervised and advised nursing students. In her remarks, Henbest said, “I wish I could say I was stepping down at a time when my work was completed and every Idahoan had affordable coverage for health care services, was making lifestyle choices that fostered good health, and the expenditure of taxpayer dollars for health care services was not increasing at a rate greater than inflation. Unfortunately, that is not the case.” Henbest assured the community that she would keep on advocating for health care issues despite her “retirement.” She continues to serve on a number of non-profit Boards and health care related committees.

DR. WATTS QUESTIONS AMERICA’S “BEST HEALTH CARE IN THE WORLD” CLAIM

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L N E W S

Kirasha Outreach Last October, Dr. Marietta Thompson felt a strong direction from the Lord to visit Ndumberi, Kenya. She sensed some very specific things the Lord wanted to do, using medical aid as a means of serving the people in the camp with long term spiritual care. This April Dr. Thompson led a medical team of 15, sponsored by Eagle Nazarene Church, and visited the village of Kirasha and the nearby Keini Forest Refugee Camp in Kenya. This region is located about 25 miles northwest of Ndumberi (where the permanent clinic is located.) This camp hosts internally displaced refugees who are in very dire need. The location where the team visited was established for internally displaced people (IDP’s). Dr. Thompson and her team provided medical services for the surrounding communities and distributed blankets, beans, bibles, clothing and other supplies to every family in the refugee camp. We are very grateful to hear of many miraculous events which took place during the trip. For example, a pediatrician from Sudan contacted the team and said that he would be in Kenya for the very same two weeks the team was in to be in country. Government officials provided security and prepared the way for the medical team into the refugee camp. They even came by to greet the team on the last day of camp, One official said, “I’ve come to meet the American physicians who have welcomed us and whose kindness to care for the Kenyan people is most appreciated.” As a direct result of this trip, the needs of this camp appear to have become more apparent to outsiders. World Relief also became aware of this camp

for the first time and committed to start working there to improve the poor conditions, which contributing to the precarious and declining health of the people there.

After two local pastors did a prayer walk around the site and held an open air service, the Lord graciously led the elders of the camp to invite the local ministry to bring a pastor in and establish a church for the refugees. We would like to thank the following team members: Dr. Lori Warzecki, Dr. Joan Shu, Dr. Sandy Shepard, Michele Miles, P.A., Rick Carter, Jennifer Boyd, Kay Anderson, Pam Peterson, Jeanette Johnson, Laurie Bloomquist, Jon Merci, Danielle Merci, Jim Bunn. Finally, many thanks to Dr. Marietta Thompson who led the team and Genesis board member Arlene Hardy who was clinic coordinator. Ndumberi Clinic Back in Ndumberi, the team was also able to spend some time at the PEFA Mercy Medical Clinic, providing medical training to the medical staff. They unpacked the ultrasound machine shipped last year and were able to operate it and train so that OB/GYN services can be added in the next year. The clinic is very busy, serving more than 30 patients a day. The staff works overtime to provide medical and spiritual support for the patients. With start-up funding expected from the KTSY Bridge the Gap bike ride, we anticipate being able to add highly-demanded dental services within a year. (see page 6 for more details) In June, Genesis World Mission hosted four members of the Mercy Ministry board of directors who came to Boise from Kenya. An open house was held for the community to meet our partners. More than 80 people attended. For many Idahoans, this was their first opportunity to meet those responsible for the rapid success during the first year of the medical clinic’s operations. We are very grateful for how God has knit our hearts together.

JANUARY 2009 TRIP TO INDIA “A GO” Calvary Trust India and Calvary Chapel Boise have given a “green light” for our third medical outreach in India, slated for late January 2009. If you are a medical provider with a heart to serve those in need, this may be the trip for you. This team will provide care for more than 2000 people, including those struck with severe poverty and children from Calvary Trust’s orphanages. If you are interested, or need more information about this opportunity in India, please contact Genesis’ international director Tracy Haworth at 384-5218 ext. 16.

April Outreach in Kirasha Kenya Succeeds!

“I am puzzled when, in my conversations with others, they say we have the ‘best health system’ in the world,” began Dr. Karl Watts, as he addressed the Boise City Club luncheon on May 5th in his address, “Is There Hope for

Health Care in Idaho?”

Based on his observations, Dr. Watts contends that unless systemic and fundamental change in health care is addressed, there will probably be a “health care implosion” in America. Dr. Watts has been central to many public

conversations on the issue as a member of Governor Otter’s Select Committee on Healthcare.

For the past nine months, the committee has held public hearings in each region around the state, collecting testimonies and suggestions to deal with healthcare concerns. These concerns could become crises if not dealt with

proactively: access to providers, quality, cost, and workforce availability.

The committee will eventually make their own recommendations to Governor Otter, who has stated that he

would like big and bold initiatives, not proposals for incremental change.

As a result of his committee membership and leadership in the medical community, Dr. Watts has recently

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In honor of Covering the Uninsured Week, on May 2, the Garden City Community Clinic (GCCC) hosted a Medicaid sign-up event. An Idaho Department of Health and Welfare representative was present to answer questions from families signing up their kids for

Idaho’s State Health Insurance Plan.

Reports from 2007 estimated that 11% of Idaho’s children are not insured and that 50% of these uninsured children are eligible but not enrolled in Medicaid. Families may lack access to knowledge and support when completing the complicated and intimidating applications

required for enrollment.

To help families with this problem, GCCC will continue to host monthly sign-up events throughout the summer. Staff and volunteers will be present to assist families in filling out the enrollment forms for their

children.

Any family who qualifies financially or is questioning their eligibility is welcome to attend. Please bring pay

stubs and bank statements for the last 30 days

and a photo ID.

No appointment is needed for these events.

July 9th, 12:30—7 p.m.

August, 8th, 9:30 a.m.—3 p.m.

“When I smiled at them, they scarcely believed it; the light of my face was precious to them.” Job 29:23-25

Health Care Reform (continued from page 1)

In April, our dental clinic rooms were brought on-line and we have started scheduling clinics on Friday mornings. With two dedicated dental operatories equipped with digital imaging for basic dental care, we are now ready to ramp up our dental clinics, which provide basic restorative dental

care.

Now we just need volunteers—dentists and dental assistants for four hours at a time. Our patients are waiting for fillings, extractions, and

root canals. Can you help fill our gaps or do you know someone who can?

Contact Hillary Roethlisberger by phone at 384.5218 ext. 12. if you

can help our patients smile wider.

DENTAL CLINIC NOW IN FULL SWING

GENESIS ADVOCATES FOR IDAHO’S KIDS

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V P N R E C E I V E S G O V E R N O R ’ S B R I G H T E S T S T A R A W A R D

This quarter we want to thank two of our dedicated Genesis Assistance Program for Medication (GAPMed) volunteers, Kenzie Scheidt and Mike Kecskes. Both Kenzie and Mike have worked diligently every week for over a year, managing paperwork, checking in medications, filling out forms, and calling patients. They have given up their Friday mornings regularly and other times as well. They have

helped to save our patients almost $400,000 last year.

Our GAPMed program helps our patients obtain their prescribed medications directly from the pharmaceutical companies with patient assistant

programs at no charge. This is no small feat. It requires very precise paperwork and follow-up, something that Kenzie and Mike have excelled at. And they did it with

joy!

But like many of our volunteers, they are moving on to bright futures. Kenzie has been accepted into a Physicians Assistant program in Nevada and will start classes the first week of July. Mike will be attending the University of Washington Medical School. As they transition towards their medical careers, they are training volunteers and passing on their skills and techniques to others like Marti Hawkins. Marti has volunteered to shoulder the load of paperwork and will

continue to work to obtain these valuable medications.

If you would like to help the GAPMed program, are detail-oriented, and have a couple hours a week to give, we are happy to train for our GAPMed program. Please contact Hillary at 384-5218 ext. 12 or email

GAPMed Volunteers Accepted to Medical Schools

Karl Watts, MD

Gregory S. Lewer, MD

A. Patrice Burgess, MD

Scott Shappard, DO

Julie M. Clark, PA-C

10255 W. Overland Road

Boise, Idaho 83709

208.367.7205

F A M I L Y H E A L T H C A R E

PLATINUM SPONSOR

The Volunteer Physicians Network (VPN) is proud to have received one of Governor Otter’s 2008 Brightest Star Awards. The Brightest Star Award was created in 2001 to recognize volunteers who work on behalf of individuals, families and children. These awards are presented to Individuals, Small Businesses, Organizations, Corporations and Communities of Promise. Esther Oppenheimer, a ServeIdaho Commissioner, nominated

the VPN for a Brightest Star Award.

As a member of United Way of Treasure Valley’s Community Investment Team, Esther had the opportunity to review the VPN and its goals. “I was impressed that through the VPN, low income and

uninsured patients receive specialty care,” she stated. The VPN helps facilitate the generous donations of those medical specialists that open their offices for consults and procedures for three clinics of the Treasure Valley that serve the underserved. Esther added “I am impressed by the VPN efficient collaboration and provision of a much needed service. The VPN has great potential for growth

and expanded impact.”

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WELCOME NEW VPN SPECIALISTS Since March the following specialists have stepped forward to become

part of the Volunteer Physicians Network:

Mary Hafer, MD

Kathryn Fethke, MD

James Swartley, MD

Adam Reynolds, MD

Paul Whitesides, OD

Molly Mannschreck, MD

James Tweeten, MD

Mark Borup, MD

Jon Fishburn, MD

Leo Harf, MD

Katherine Lee, MD

Dirk Carlson, MD

NEW FACES ARRIVE AT GENESIS

C O M M U N I T Y I N V E S T M E N T S

Genesis World Mission welcomes its newest board member David Hall this month. David has just retired from a long and distinguished career of military service and possesses an outstanding skill set and unique background in planning. He has recently joined the Bureau of Homeland Security and will be working on continuity of government plans with the State of Idaho. Because of his overseas experience, David will be joining the international committee at Genesis.

We are also pleased to welcome Jessica Strong who will fill our front desk as our clinical assistant. Jessica has been volunteering in the Garden City Community Clinic for the past two years as a fill-in receptionist and intake/eligibility worker. She is a biology graduate from Northwest Nazarene University. Nicole Hermann was also hired to become our dental assistant and will help coordinate the dental clinic. Nicole is a temp dental assistant in various dental offices in Boise, which will allowing her to become a great volunteer recruiter. She is currently studying to become a dental hygienist.

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RECENT CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT

$34,500 over two years Rural Health and Primary Care to reinstate Volunteer Coordinator position

$10,000 from United Way of Treasure Valley to support the Garden City Community Clinic

$6,000 from United Way of Treasure Valley to support the Volunteer Physicians Network

President, Karl Watts, MD, Genesis Medical Center

Secretary, Arlene Hardy, Retired

Treasurer, Bobby Lawrence, CPA, Eide Bailly

John Hisel, DDS, Private Practice

Pastor Scott Nelson, Boise Valley Christian Communion

Craig Quintana, ACHD

David Hall, Bureau of Homeland Security

Mike Rice, Gold Key Properties

Ryan Warwick, Rathbone McReynolds Investment Consulting

Zach Fox, DrFirst

Joan Stephens, Stronghold Remodeling

Steven Reames, Executive Director (Ex Officio)

Ann Cordum, MD, Medical Director (Ex Officio)

p. 484-8176

Hawkins Medical/Legal Consulting

Martie Hawkins, RN BSN CWOCN CMM LNC

The “Wound, Ulcer, Skin Breakdown Specialist”

MONTHLY SUSTAINER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HONORARY AND MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Thomas Goodwin in honor of Kristin Goodwin

Barbara Allen in honor of Paul Allen

Susan Hazelton in honor of Tami Reames

David and Bev Taylor in memory of Richard Taylor

Bill and Bobbi Dunn in memory of Andy “Woody” Stenberg

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W H A T E L S E I S A R O U N D T H E C O R N E R ?

Non-Profit Org

US Postage

PAID

Permit #845

BOISE ID

215 W 35th Street

Garden City ID 83714

89.5 FM KTSY has chosen Genesis World Mission as the beneficiary of their Second Annual “Fill the Gap” Charity Bike Ride. The

community ride will take place on August 17. The ride from Nampa to Sun Valley will take place from August 18 to 22. The proceeds of this bike ride will benefit the various dental programs of Genesis. At Garden City Community Clinic, the funding allows us to hire a part-time dental assistant (see page 5.) In Kenya, these funds will provide the start-up equipment and supplies costs to be able to add a dental clinic there, with an anticipated April opening. This will fill a wide gap in dental services, where access to quality, affordable dental care is very limited.

We are very grateful for Gem State Radiology/Intermountain Medical Imaging for signing on as platinum sponsor for this event. This sponsorship will guarantee a sizable investment in these two dental programs in addition to funds raised by rider sponsorships and registrations. The Community Ride on

August 17 will provide routes for 3 Miles, 15 Miles, 31.5 Miles, 62 Miles, (a Metric Century ride.) The multi-day ride is 350 miles and limited to 50 people. For more information about the ride or how to register or sponsor, please visit 895ktsy.org for updated details.