Medical fund is a special resource
By Sam Bari

The Jamestown Medical Fund was created to help Jamestown residents "bridge the gap" when medical expenses vital to their health exceed their ability to pay.

"We offer assistance when medical services and prescriptions are not covered by insurance or personal resources," said Tim Baker, president of the fund.

"Although the fund has existed since 1999, not everybody knows about it, and we want to get the word out," Baker said. There will be a lecture series at the library given by Dr. Santi Meunier and Dr. Joe England that is designed to educate those who attend about different medical issues and inform people about the fund, he added.

The medical fund is also providing free transportation for Jamestown residents to the Newport Hospital Health Fair on April 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Information about the fund will be available at the fair.

"Our resources come from fund-raisers and personal donations from our very generous community," Baker said. "We hold an annual golf tournament and flower sale, and we're discussing other events that will make us more visible."

Baker also said that when people died they often name the fund as a preferred donor.

The board meets once a month at the Senior Center to discuss business and fund-raising. "Although we have some very dedicated fundraisers, we need more," Baker said. The board members are Mary Ann Carr-Toppa, Dolores Calabrese, Kathy Rushton, Kerry Sheehan, Millie Feeney, and Kathy Westall. Luann Gosselin- Bonier is the treasurer, and Baker is the president. Any board member will be happy to answer questions regarding applying for the fund, or volunteering to help.

Applications are based on need and financial considerations. Money is paid directly to the provider, Baker said. Applications are available at Baker's Pharmacy on Narragansett Avenue and at Jamestown Family Practice on Southwest Avenue.

Inquiries may be directed to the Jamestown Medical Fund, PO Box 236, Jamestown, RI 02835, or by calling Luann Gosselin-Bonier at 423-0550.

The Jamestown Medical Fund was founded in 1999 when Jamestown resident David Kearney was diagnosed with leukemia. After a short stay in the hospital, he arrived at home to find a grassroots fund-raising effort to benefit his family and himself. The fundraisers' work blossomed into a steak fry for his benefit that resulted in enough funds to "bridge the gap" between his insurance and substantial expenses.

A second groundswell of fundraising started, and through several strategic meetings, a new course was set. The new course was to help the residents of Jamestown to "bridge the gap" with medical and related expenses. Hence, the Jamestown Medical Fund was created.