LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
As the United States Supreme Court makes a decision on the controversial health care law this week, thousands in Southern Nevada are watching closely.
They're the uninsured - people who simply can't afford quality medical care.
For Margaret Clarke, her trip to the doctor on Tuesday was anything but routine. This visit, she said, may save her life.
"I lost my job, and I have no insurance, and if I didn't find this place, I don't think I would be alive," she said.
Clarke is just like the other 6,000 patients expected to walk through the doors of Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada annually.
But at this free clinic, the answer is in the name.
"I come here every Tuesday to volunteer," said Dr. Mike Leudeman, a licensed medical doctor, who was inspired to donate his medical expertise as soon as he saw what this place does for people.
"I think it's very important for the patients, and it's important for me as a doctor to provide the best possible care for our patients," Leudeman said.
"It makes me feel great that people are looking out for me," said 21 year-old patient Bryen Griffin.
Griffin has asthma, and without insurance it makes it hard to get his treatments.
Dr. Florence Jameson is the founder of the clinic that provides $3 million in health care every year, using just less than $1 million in donations. There are roughly 40 doctors, 100 nurses and 20 pharmacists.
All have other, paying jobs, but here their work is most rewarding. Jameson said that is why the health care debate is so interesting and critical.
"We have to get health reform, whether it happens now or later, it will happen… it's just when and how," Jameson said.
For now, the goal is to save people like Clarke, who suffers from diabetes, and worked hard so her son may never be in need of help.
"I made sure (my son) got a college education. He's got his master's. He's wonderful, and I never thought I'd be in this place in my life," Clarke said through tears.
The clinic started in January 2010. The doctors can only see about 500 patients a month, but they are planning a larger downtown location that can help thousands more.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
Nearly every worker at VMSN is a volunteer with another paying job.
