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Indian River County Medical Society’s We Care Program is based on the volunteer efforts of many of the county’s physicians, both retired and active. We Care was created as a cooperative venture between the IRCMS and the Indian River County Health Department to help provide free medical treatment to residents in Indian River County who are otherwise financially unable to afford specialty health care. The Indian River County Tax District Board of Trustees has supported the program by funding the salary of the We Care Coordinator, who is a Health Department employee and has administrative support from the Health Department. Since its inception in 1991, We Care has steadily grown and now has the support and participation of over 120 physicians. Each year, We Care volunteers provide nearly $500,000 worth of donated medical services.
Only county residents who meet specific financial eligibility requirements (less than 150% of federal poverty income guidelines) are able to participate in this program. Patients may self-refer, or be referred by private physicians or Indian River Memorial Hospital. We Care patients first have a primary care evaluation and a data base completed and are then evaluated for subspecialty referral needs. Medication assistance is obtained via the Indigent Drug Programs from pharmaceutical manufacturers, with the laborious paperwork being done in the We Care office. All services are organized by the We Care Coordinator office. Volunteer physicians sign a contract to become an “agent of the State of Florida,” which provides state “sovereign immunity” liability protection for We Care medical services wherever the location. Currently, most subspecialty care is available through the volunteers.
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