Free Clinic Teams Work with City Emergency Leaders in Pa.

Jan. 14--Johnstown Free Medical Clinic's downtown facility is an ideal headquarters for initial treatment and evaluation during major events and emergencies.

Recognizing the value of clinic's resources will improve operations during Thunder in the Valley and other situations, Johnstown Fire Chief Anthony Kovacic said at the Free Clinic.

"We are going to start writing into some of our plans utilizing this facility for triage," Kovacic said.

The facility's collaboration with city operations does not end the fire department, clinic Executive Director Rosalie Danchanko said Wednesday morning. She will outline the plans during the city council meeting later Wednesday.

"We are here to serve the individuals in this community who need medical care," Danchanko said. "They have people who need medical care."

Kovacic took the new collaboration for a test drive during the Halloween Parade in October when the clinic opened its doors and brough in staff.

It served as a triage center to evaluate and provide first aid for anyone who needed treatment during the parade, he said.

"It worked out well," Kovacic said. "There were not a lot who came in, but it worked out."

If the clinic staff finds more treatment is necessary, Seventh Ward and West End ambulance services will be on call, she said.

The joint response developed out of a conversation between Danchanko and Johnstown Mayor Frank Janakovic, Danchanko said.

The mayor called in Kovacic, police Chief Craig Foust, Economic Development Director Renee Daly and ambulance service representatives. The group toured the free clinic's facility.

Fire department and ambulance teams have operated a triage center during Thunder in the Valley, using a tent within a block of the free clinic, Kovacic said. Relocating into the air conditioned, clean, private exam rooms at the clinic would only improve the operation.

"During Thunder in the Valley, we have our share of incidents that occur," he said. "Now we will have a place to direct people."

Communication is helping the clinic expand its connection with city operations at several levels, Danchanko said. She is coordinating with Daly on services for the homeless. Daly oversees Johnstowns federal Housing and Urban Development funds for homeless services.

"The homeless come to the free clinic for medical care," Danchanko said. "Now we are opening doors to others who serve the homeless."

Johnstown's homeless are not the iconic living-under-a-bridge homeless seen in larger cities, she noted.

"The live from couch to couch and floor to floor," she said.

By identifying their needs, the free clinic can connect with Daly to help find shelter. And Daly can refer those she helps to the clinic for their medical needs.

"We love this community, and we should be able to support this community more," Danchanko said.

"This is a compliment to the powers that be who recognized the opportunity to have some positive influence on the community."

Randy Griffith is a multimedia reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 532-5057. Follow him on Twitter @PhotoGriffer57.

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