MAKING LAS VEGAS A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE

Clinic has people pay with kindness, not cash

By Beth Fisher

CREATED Feb. 5, 2013

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Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) -- There are thousands of people in Las Vegas who don't have health insurance. But there is one place you can go for medical care that won't take your money. Instead, patients pay with acts of kindness.   

Hours before the HOPE clinic opens, patients begin waiting for the doctor to arrive. Patients like Caryle Davis. "When I came here, Dr. Shin talked to me about how valuable our life is. I'm going to cry. He talked to me about the importance of taking care of myself. That gave me a whole new lease on life."
 
Dr. Elliot Shin founded Operation HOPE about two years ago but it's a dream 20 years in the making. In college, he fed the homeless. Dr. Shin says, "They ended up helping me. They shaped my future. So it's only right that I give back."
 
The HOPE Clinic sees low income, uninsured patients two days a week. It is run entirely by volunteers like Bo, an aspiring medical student.  And Cynthia, a contract nurse at both Summerlin and Sunrise hospitals.
 
The clinic is not free. Patients pay by performing three acts of kindness.
 
Dr. Shin says, "We have some incredible transformations that's occurring in the community as a result of this. And our patients are going out being a secret angel or secret Santa for somebody."
 
Four thousand patients, tens of thousands of kind acts. A ripple effect with tidal wave potential to change our city for the better.
 
"I'm doing it for myself." says Dr. Shin, " I'm selfish. It's an honor and privilege. It's not a sacrifice."
 
The HOPE Clinic can always use more funding but it especially need more doctors.  Dr. Shin asks doctors to donate 4 hours a month.  Please contact Operation HOPE if you'd like to help.