Let me tell you a story about the Halifax Health – Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Clinic.
Twenty years ago, Dr. Angela Thorpe and Dr. Adela Caidic saw a need for a clinic that provides quality care to pediatric patients on Medicaid and those without insurance in Daytona Beach Community. On the day the clinic opened, Dr. Thorpe and Dr. Caidic saw 26 patients, even though full support staff and equipment were not available. Each day they saw more and more patients, demonstrating a clear need in the community that the clinic was fulfilling. To further expand their services and help more children, in 2012, they became a medical home in collaboration with Children Medical Services.
In 2016, Halifax Health – Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Clinic is celebrating 20 Years of quality care to the children and families in the Daytona Beach Community. So far this year, the clinic has seen 4,218 established patients and 651 new patients. However, at Halifax Health Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Care, each child and caregiver that walks through its doors has a story and is more than a number.
“We all have a story and as a physician, knowing the stories of my patients helps me provide a higher level of medical care,” says Dr. Thorpe. “With volumes as high as ours, it can be very easy to rush through each patient, look at their chart and to move on to the next exam room. That is not how I choose to do things. I believe that by listening intently to each patients story I am less judgmental and open minded about treatment options.”
The reason that patients choose Halifax Health – Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Care is because of the level of care they receive. All children and families should be given a chance, regardless of income or status. Over the past 20 years, they have connected with the community to identify and meet the needs of our families.
To continue the legacy, and in celebration of its 20th anniversary, Halifax Health renovated the existing office spaces and waiting rooms in the clinic. Through our commitment to putting children’s health in first place, The NASCAR Foundation is proud to provide support through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund to incorporate the likenesses of Safety Sam, Chase, Victory Lane, Airgun Annie and other Speediatrics characters throughout the clinic to provide a comfortable environment for the children coming to the clinic. In addition, the clinic is extending office hours to accommodate working parents.
As long as Halifax Health – Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Care is in the community, the future is full of opportunities. Children that may have been turned away will find a home at the clinic. Parents that once hit road block after road block will finally be able to see hope for their children.
Congratulations to the doctors and staff at Halifax Health – Keech Pediatric Neighborhood Clinic on reaching your 20th anniversary milestone! The Daytona Beach Community is lucky to have everyday champions for children looking after them!
