Dirne might be right for you

Sunday's "In Person" feature story about Dr. Joseph Abate told readers a little bit about the man and quite a lot about his medicine. We'd like to tell you more, because quite simply, it matters.

Dr. Abate is humble to the point of seriously underrepresenting himself. As one respected medical consultant told us recently, Dr. Abate could be earning an annual fortune practicing cardiology in the major market of his choosing. Instead, he chooses to work tirelessly for a fraction of his earning potential as chief medical officer at Dirne Community Health Center in Coeur d'Alene.

When you talk to the good doctor, it's all Dirne, all the time. Passionate? You can bet your health on it. And that's precisely what we're asking you to consider.

For years, Dirne has been synonymous with serving the poor. That's what Lidwina Dirne, who died Monday at the age of 97, envisioned when she started the clinic from little more than a few dollars and a ton of inspiration. (Please see Rep. Luke Malek's touching tribute on Page A5.) The uninitiated might picture hours-long waiting times in a scene better fitted to Dante's Inferno than Coeur d'Alene's medical community, with well-meaning providers overwhelmed by the masses and complexity of cases.

While it's true that Dirne treats many, many residents who are unable to pay for their services, it's just as true that the staff there, under the leadership of Mike Baker and Dr. Abate, is professional, efficient and optimistic. There's nothing second-class about the patients at Dirne, and there's nothing second-class about the care they receive.

We know, because some of us at The Press have become Dirne patients. We discovered that we can receive superb medical attention and, as a tremendous bonus, because we're insured our patronage helps provide coverage for others who are not able to pay. That's vitally important because Dirne generates 80 percent of its operating funds; just 20 percent comes from federal assistance.

Still, some needs are going unmet. Dr. Abate pointed out that 300 patients are being turned away each week for dental care they need. And dental problems, you know, can lead to other medical difficulties that can become life threatening.

We encourage you to check out Dirne Community Health Center as a potential provider for your medical needs. You won't just be taking good care of yourself; you'll be taking care of another local resident who needs that help.

www.dhcidaho.org/

(208) 292-0292