VWCH gives Ultrasound machine to PLC

VW independent/submitted information

The PLC Health Clinic of Van Wert, part of the local Pregnancy Life Center, now has an ultrasound machine that Director Trina Langdon hopes will allow the PLC to enhance its mission to protect the life of the unborn. The ultrasound machine was donated by the Van Wert County Hospital as part of the PLC’s movement to include medical services for its clients.

The PLC sees a lot of teenagers and clients in their 20s who are experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. The ultrasound machine, along with counseling services offered by the staff at the Pregnancy Life Center, will help clients to decide what to do with their unborn baby.

“Even from the early stages of pregnancy, a mother can see her developing child and hear the baby’s heart beat via an ultrasound,” shared Matthew Miller, M.D., medical director at the PLC and family physician at Van Wert Medical Services.

“We’ve dreamt about having an ultrasound machine for many years,” said Langdon.  “We’re so grateful to Van Wert County Hospital for this generous donation so we can continue saving babies and helping the scared young women who turn to us for help.”

In addition to limited ultra sounds, the PLC Health Clinic will provide STI/STD testing as part of its new medical services. By working with Van Wert County Hospital and Van Wert County Health Department, the PLC hopes to fill the gap in the community for this much-needed service which will be available to both women and men.

All medical services done at the PLC will be free to patients; however, since lab and medications will be outsourced there may be a charge for them. If patients have insurance, most of the cost will be covered, if not all. For patients without insurance, the PLC has set up a special fund to help offset those costs.

Offering free medical services, although great for the patient, comes at a high price to the PLC.

“We have estimated a yearly cost of $40,000 for us to run the clinic,” said Langdon. “This includes paying a medical staff, purchasing medical supplies, and covering lab and medication fees for patients.”

For that reason, the PLC will be holding its second annual Health Clinic Banquet fundraiser. The event will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 5, at Willow Bend Country Club in Van Wert. Although the banquet is free, there will be a love offering to benefit the PLC Health Clinic.

“Last year, when we held our first banquet, we had to raise $115,000 to cover our startup costs, and our community made that happen,” Langdon communicated. “We are prayerful everyone will show that same enthusiasm this year as we raise the funds to actually run the clinic.”

Area residents interested in attending can contact the PLC by February 20 at 419.238.9177 or email plc1@embarqmail.com to make reservations.

The banquet is underwritten by Van Wert County Hospital, Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, a grant from the Van Wert County Foundation, and Cooper Farms. As part of the NPAC’s sponsorship, it is giving away two sets of two tickets to the upcoming David Phelps concert on Friday, April 14.  Anyone who gives a monetary donation towards the clinic fundraiser this year will automatically be registered for the tickets and does not have to be at the banquet to win. Names will be drawn the week following the banquet.

“We cannot thank our underwriters enough for their generosity,” shared Langdon. “Each underwriter has been extremely supportive of us and our new clinic; we are truly blessed to be in such a caring and giving community.”