Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn, Mich., will soon offer medical care to recently laid-off Ford Motor Company workers at no cost.
An official start date has yet to be determined, but doctors plan to operate a clinic at least two half-days per week in a cancer center at OHMC.
George Hnatiuk, MD, chief of staff at OHMC, said the motivation for this program stems from the long-standing relationship between Oakwood Healthcare and the Ford Motor Company in the Dearborn community.
Oakwood physicians have provided a significant amount of care to Ford employees over the years, Hnatiuk noted, and this is one way they could lend a helping hand during challenging economic times.
"Ford has been our biggest supporter," said Hnatiuk. "We wanted to do something for the community that's supported us for the more than 50 years we've been in existence."
Doctors will volunteer time to staff the clinic, while Oakwood will contribute the clinic space and necessary personnel. Former Ford workers eligible for the care must have documents to verify their previous work status.
"I am humbled by the contributions our Oakwood medical staff physicians provide to our community on a daily basis," said Brian Connolly, president and CEO of Oakwood Healthcare. "I am grateful to these physicians for their initiative and for committing their time and talent to benefit former Ford employees during this time of great economic challenge."