For many people in St. Mary’s County, primary care is a luxury and is often unavailable or inconveniently located. In fact, an estimated 12.4 percent of individuals in St. Mary’s County are uninsured, according to 2007 U.S. Census data. 

That’s where Get Connected to Health, a new, low-cost primary care service for the uninsured of St. Mary’s County, comes in. The program’s first stop is in Lexington Park, which has the single largest concentration of population in St. Mary’s County, with a disproportionate number living in poverty or near poverty. The area

From left: Dr. Patrick Jarboe, Renee  Shively, RN,  and Phil Caroselli, Mobile  Outreach Center driver.

To compound this problem, Lexington Park severely lacks primary care doctors. This problem is expected to worsen as the population continues to grow.  With the already limited number of primary care providers in the county, physicians aren’t accepting new patients and uninsured residents are forced to seek crisis care in St. Mary’s Hospital’s Emergency Department.

The new program was established this fall as a partnership between St. Mary’s Hospital and the community in attempt to improve access to care for the low-income and uninsured.  Community partners in St. Mary’s County include the Health Department, Public School System, the Public Library System, the St. Mary’s County Development Corporation, Housing Authority, Department of Social Services, Health Share of St. Mary’s, On Our Own of St. Mary’s, Department of Human Services, Local Management Board and Tri-County Youth Services.

Get Connected boasts a staff that consists of a registered nurse, a volunteer physician and other hospital staff volunteers.  Dr. Patrick Jarboe volunteers as the independent licensed healthcare provider. Renee Shively, RN, serves as the nurse/case manager and Phil Caroselli is the Mobile Outreach Center driver. 

Jarboe, who describes himself as “semi-retired,” has been with the program since its inception to help ensure patients are seen by a physician.  “Everyone we’ve seen has needed help,” he said.  Jarboe refers some patients to other agencies in the county if they need extra assistance, such as the Health Department’s Women’s Wellness program or various St. Mary’s Hospital services.

Those wishing to seek medical assistance in the program should know that no appointment is necessary. Patients are welcome to enter the Outreach Center after they have filled out preliminary paperwork in the Lexington Park Library.  Patients’ vital signs and medical history are taken, and then Jarboe assesses the individual’s medical needs, develops a treatment plan and answers any questions they may have.

The van includes two examination rooms, a wheelchair lift and a cardiac monitor.  Influenza vaccines for patients over age 18 are available.  Limited point of care laboratory testing is also available for clinical microscopy urine, rapid strep, occult blood or whole blood glucose; patients who need further diagnostic testing are referred to the hospital.  Financial assistance is available for further testing.  Pregnancy and blood sugar tests are also offered.

The Get Connected staff eventually hopes to hire and credential a family practice nurse and to be able to increase its hours.  Also planned is an upgrade to the center’s computers, allowing staff to access the hospital’s electronic medical records system.  The program has been endorsed by Del. John L. Bohanan Jr., Sen. Roy Dyson and the St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners.  

For more information call (301) 475-6019.  A short form determines eligibility for the service and verification of income is required.  The charge for each patient visit is $15 and walk-ins are welcome.  The Mobile Outreach Center is parked in the lot of the Lexington Park Library at 21677 FDR Boulevard in Lexington Park on Mondays from 1 to 5 p.m.

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