The coalition was made up of health professionals, community leaders and volunteers who quickly concluded that Pasadena could not wait for universal health care to meet the needs of its children. An emergency room physician took the lead and began recruiting other doctors, dentists, mental health workers, hospitals, pharmacists, the whole array of providers, over 200 professionals who now volunteer time for the children. Community volunteers were recruited to help school nurses, drive patients to their appointments, help the professionals, and teach dental care to children. By the opening of school in September of 1993, the program had been expanded to cover all the elementary and middle schools and was extended to the high schools. Why it's working.
Volunteers make the difference.
But a paid professional staff, and close cooperation with the public school administration, are essential to the success of the program. Doctors and dentists volunteer as they are able. Some see one child a month, treating only emergencies. Others take on long-term treatment. Two hospital emergency rooms give service without charge.