Comments

WONDERFUL!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 21, 2009 8:26 AM

Great initiative. I also checked out their website. It spells out the eligibility criteria clearly. The best part is that even new patients who lose their jobs after they register as patients of Take Care (and are uninsured) are also eligible for the remainder of 2009.

Posted by Subir Ghosh at April 22, 2009 12:33 AM

Goes to show for-profits have a heart. A lesson here for not-for-profits that keep getting caught turning folks away? The great thing about these walk in clinics is they always seem to be able to find time to see you when you think you need it, vs long waits for appointments at my regular doc.

Posted by Fred H Schlegel at April 22, 2009 8:15 AM

Plus, Fred, there is a lot of profit in non-profit. That whole notion is a fallacy, as well as the notion that they are not to "own" property. The big hospitials around here are non-profits and, believe me, after having been directly involved with one on a purchase of a large complex, they "own" property. If I'm not mistaken non-profits too have 24 hour walk in clinics. What is wonderful to me about this model is the sense of both profitability and responsibility. They need not be exclusive. When the economy turns around, and it will, we will remember such companies and I believe this will make the difference in future sales.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2009 8:58 AM

Fred and Judith,

We do all seem to agree on one thing here: there are many rewards for everyone involved when a "for profit" does something like we're discussing here. We can attempt to describe it in technical terms such as "philanthropy," "corporate responsibility," "sustainability," etc. until we're blue in the face. But the bottom line is that there are LOTS of merits in "giving back" something (even if it costs a little/a lot to do so.)

"It takes a village to raise a child." And to take care of him throughout life. It's wonderful to see any organization ("for profit" or not) act more like members of that village and not "owners" of it.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 22, 2009 10:19 AM

"..there are LOTS of merits in 'giving back' something (even if it costs a little/a lot to do so.)"

Dan - This is a beautiful statement and so very true. Thank you. I actually have for many many years practiced giving, ESPECIALLY during difficult times. The personal rewards are great AND it pays.

"Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you mete with it shall be measured to you again."

--Luke 6:38

Giving is profitable for your pocket and person.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2009 10:54 AM

Agreed, but I would add that my (admittedly simplistic but I firmly believe correct) philosophy is: put "person" first. I realize the importance of the "no margin = no mission" notion as well as anyone, but I will always stand steadfast in my belief that if you have to put one or the other first, choosing "mission" as a guiding premise will equal survival more often than the alternative.

Lest some more accounting-oriented people take issue with these words, permit me to say that as much as anyone on the face of this Earth, I want to see to it that the bills get paid and the payroll is handled on time. But so often is the case that profits become the ONLY concern. The secret is that if you really ARE focused on ALL the interests of ALL the stakeholders, then finances WILL receive proper attention, because that is, indeed, one of the concerns of all stakeholders. One of... not the only one.

Just don't lose sight of the whole picture. If what we're seeing is any indication, it sounds like Walgreens hase 20/20 vision :) Love it.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 22, 2009 1:44 PM

"hase" ??? Think I'd better run out and buy new reading glasses. Walgreens is just down the road.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 22, 2009 1:46 PM

Wisdom matters.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2009 2:32 PM

Judith,

Definitely. I point the finger at myself first, though, in stating how sad it is that we have a propensity for obtaining said wisdom the hard way.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 22, 2009 2:45 PM

Anyway it's obtained is undoubtedly...eventually... a good thing.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 22, 2009 4:09 PM