Evening star., 1948-09-30
Group Health Reports
.S13,44O Surp|us,P|ans
To Push Expansion

| Group Health Association, Inc, Is
operating without a deficit for the
first time in four years.
This was revealed last night in
the first financial report of the 49,
0O0-member medical cooperative
since it raised its dues last May /.
From May to August. the associa-
ton not only avoided deficit, but
accumulated surplus of $13,440-
first appreciable financial gain since
before the war.
William E. Warne, association
president, told a semianual men,
oership meeting last night that this
accomplishment clears the way for
long planned expansion. including
addition of dental services and erec-
ton of the associations own health
center.
Dental Clinic to Open.
The new dental clinic is expected
to so into operation on or about
January /, Mr.. Warne announced
To prepare for the new building. he
said. the association soon will under
take a S35 900 fund drive to cover
costs of plans, with a view toward
actual construction within II to IL
months.
The association also is continuing
to attract new members, last night S
meeting was told.
Melvin L. Dollar. executive direc-
tor. said 3.2l2 new members have
Joined since last January l. While
l ,997 have left the association-most
of them. Mr.. Dollar said, because
they moved out of the area-the net
gain of 1905 has brought the Or
ganization'S rolls to record l5,075.
This is nearly half of its long-range
goal Of $4,000 members.
Lose Few in Dues Raise.
Few members have dropped out
because of last springs increase in
dues-fewer than expected" Mr.
Dollar declared. The increase ap-
parently has not discouraged new
applicants, he added
The increase, adopted by a s.
to-1 referendum vote after several
months of controversy, was inSti-
tuted to meet rising costs, which
threatened to bring curtailment OF
the association services. Fifty
cents was added to the So monthly
dues for adults and 25 cents to the
So dues for children.
Despite the Sl3,4 surplus since
May. which Mr.. Dollar ascribed di-
rectly to the raise in dues. the
association still has a deficit of
more than $16,500 remaining from
the last four years, it was pointed
out.
One of the chief reasons the as
sociation hopes to expedite its build
ing plans. Mr.. Dollar told the meet
ing. is the rent which it now must
pay to house its facilities in three
separate buildings. Beginning in
November. this will rise to $4,000
monthly. he said.
Site Already Owned.
Another reason is that present
facilities can accommodate only 49,
900 to 10000 persons, it was pointed
out.
The proposed new medical center
is to be built on a site already
owned by the association at Twenty
seventh and K streets NV.
Chief problem in connection with
the opening of the new dental clinic
is the difficulty of obtaining the
dental staff. Miss Edith lockwood.
Dental Committee chairman, told
last nights meeting.
The association is seeking a den
tai director, at starting salary of
$500 a year, and three dentists at
S5 800, as well as dental hygienist.
The staff later is to be increased
to II, according to present plans.
Pending completion OF the new
building. the clinic will be located
in the Arlington Building, 1925 Ver-
mont avenue NV.
Additional charges for dental
service have not yet been set, Miss
lockwood said, but she warned
they will not be inexpensive"
I'VE are starting in high-price
period" she declared. But We
hope the service will not be overly
expensive"
The association expects the new