Giving the Gift of Health: Sinclair Health Clinic Changes Lives

Published on November 05, 2024

Let’s do a thought experiment. Imagine a world where you didn’t speak the language or understand the local healthcare bureaucracy. (Okay, we all probably feel that way sometimes.) In this imaginary world, health clinics operate very differently than clinics back home.

Not only that, in this imaginary world, healthcare employees speak in jargon. What was that about “HIPAA” or “pre-authorizations?” Huh?

Oh, and you have $50 in your pocket to cover all your family’s expenses during the week. That includes food, gas, etc. Health insurance? You’re not sure what that is or how to get it.     

Yet, your son or daughter is sick now. What do you do?

This “imaginary” world is too real for many Winchester residents. Fortunately, Winchester’s Sinclair Health Clinic provides a beacon of hope for families in this situation, offering much-needed relief.

Sinclair Health Clinic Executive Director Mercedes Abbet stands in front of her clinic. Sinclair is conveniently located at 301 N. Cameron Street, in the Shockey Building.

Sinclair Health Clinic Executive Director Mercedes Abbet stands in front of her clinic. Sinclair is conveniently located at 301 N. Cameron Street, in the Shockey Building.

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Under Dr. Abbet’s direction, the clinic has increased the number of patients served.

Under Dr. Abbet’s direction, the clinic has increased the number of patients served.

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Dr. Abbet and Sinclair Director of Public Engagement Jennifer Hall show City Manager Dan Hoffman the clinic’s virtual interpretation service. This service, which can translate over 100 languages, including Spanish, Pashto, and Arabic, ensures that every patient regardless of their background can receive quality medical services.

Dr. Abbet and Sinclair Director of Public Engagement Jennifer Hall show City Manager Dan Hoffman the clinic’s virtual interpretation service. This service, which can translate over 100 languages, including Spanish, Pashto, and Arabic, ensures that every patient regardless of their background can receive quality medical services.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Pilar attends to patients make sure that their questions are answered. Pilar is fluent in English and Spanish.

Licensed Practical Nurse Pilar attends to patients make sure that their questions are answered. Pilar is fluent in English and Spanish.

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Nurse practitioner Bob volunteers his time at the Clinic, to help fellow community members. By enlisting volunteer professionals like Bob, Sinclair can lower costs and serve more patients.

Nurse practitioner Bob volunteers his time at the Clinic, to help fellow community members. By enlisting volunteer professionals like Bob, Sinclair can lower costs and serve more patients.

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Nurse practitioner Nathan Lystrup is one of Sinclair’s three full-time Nurse Practitioners.

Nurse practitioner Nathan Lystrup is one of Sinclair’s three full-time Nurse Practitioners.

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Executive Director Dr. Mercedes leads City Manager Dan Hoffman on a tour of the clinic. City and clinic staff work together to inform residents of the clinic’s services.

Executive Director Dr. Mercedes leads City Manager Dan Hoffman on a tour of the clinic. City and clinic staff work together to inform residents of the clinic’s services.

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Sinclair’s pharmacy is one of the clinic’s most popular services. The pharmacy is open to all Winchester residents (not just clinic patients) and offers medication at low prices, even without medical insurance.

Sinclair’s pharmacy is one of the clinic’s most popular services. The pharmacy is open to all Winchester residents (not just clinic patients) and offers medication at low prices, even without medical insurance.

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At Sinclair, conveniently located on North Cameron Street in downtown Winchester, Executive Director Dr. Mercedes Abbet and her dedicated team deliver primary, prenatal, chronic disease, behavioral health, and pharmacy services to Virginia residents who earn less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

About 70 percent of Sinclair patients are non-English speakers, and 71 percent are uninsured. The clinic does not require medical insurance…or even a co-pay!

During a recent City staff visit to the clinic, Dr. Abbet noted that the Sinclair team practices “patient-focused care.” Patient-focused care, she said, means “getting to know your patients and mitigating cultural, linguistic, or economic impediments to obtaining the best care.”

Through this approach, Dr. Abbet said, Sinclair staff spend more time with each patient than in a typical clinic environment. They take the time to understand each patient’s situation, then explain to them what is happening and why a particular treatment option is essential.

Sinclair staff also help patients apply for federal programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (commonly called “SNAP”) and financial assistance programs at Valley Health and the University of Virginia, which help patients become more self-sufficient.

Abbet also highlighted the importance of overcoming cultural taboos that may encourage patients to refuse essential care. Many internationally born patients, for example, come from societies where mental health counseling is frowned upon. The Sinclair team, using a well-honed combination of patience, empathy, and expertise, works to break down barriers and identify the best care option for patients and their families.  

Sinclair’s commitment to patient-focused care also applies to their pharmaceutical services. New patients often do not complete their prescribed treatment or refill their prescriptions. In September 2024, however, the Sinclair pharmacy’s “refill rate” for prescriptions written at the clinic reached an all-time high, indicating that Sinclair’s patients more often understood -- and completed -- their course of treatment.

An important part of Sinclair’s success depends on the clinic’s robust partnerships with other local providers, such as Valley Health. For example, Valley Health provides laboratory support and diagnostic services for Sinclair patients.

Valley Health’s Director of Community Health, Dr. Jason Craig told us that “Valley Health is proud to support the Sinclair Health Clinic in its mission to provide essential healthcare services to our community. Our partnership underscores our commitment to improving access to quality care for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of our neighbors.”

Dr. Abbet and her team’s commitment to patient-focused care and collaboration with partners like Valley Health is achieving results. In only nine months, from January through September 2024, the Sinclair team treated 2,690 patients (including 767 new patients) through 12,900 patient visits. Over 1,000 appointments focused on prenatal services, inspiring a healthier future for Winchester’s next generation of residents.

Not only that, over the last nine months, the Sinclair team filled 25,403 prescriptions, a 30 percent increase over the previous year. That’s quite a jump! It also demonstrates Sinclair Health Clinic’s tremendous importance to the community.

Maria, one of Sinclair Health Clinic’s patients, summed it up. She said, “I am very thankful for Sinclair Health Clinic. I’m not sure where I would be without them.”

It’s safe to say Maria channeled the feelings of many Winchester residents when it comes to the Sinclair Health Clinic.

Thank you, Sinclair team! You make us proud.

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