We Care of Lake County, Inc.
Making a difference in the community with the assistance of volunteer physicians.
We Care provides referrals for specialty care for uninsured adult residents of Lake County. This not-for-profit organization founded was by the Lake-Sumter Medical Society in 1994 and provides a vital link for uninsured Lake County residents who need specialty services and medical care.
We Care specialty physicians give generously of their time, facilities, services, and expertise. The program is successful because of the charity and kindness of volunteer doctors currently providing services. While not receiving monetary benefits, volunteer providers gain the satisfaction of knowing they are helping less fortunate members of the Lake County community. Their altruism is rewarded with state-sponsored Sovereign Immunity for themselves and their practices.
Who does We Care of Lake County serve?
- Adults ages 18 - 64
- Legal residents of Lake County for at least 6 months
- People who are at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines
- People who are uninsured, indigent or homeless
We Care only accepts patients who are referred by a clinic or volunteer physician. Clinics referring to We Care are:
- Community Medical Care Center (Leesburg)
- Community Health Center (Leesburg, Tavares, Groveland)
- Community Primary Health Clinic (Eustis)
- Lake County Health Department
- Lazarus Free Clinic (Wildwood)
- St. Luke's Medical & Dental Clinic (Eustis)
The We Care Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders who are advocates for the underserved.
We Care also addresses the need for durable medical equipment. Equipment can be obtained by calling 352-742-0021, and picked up at their office location, 4709 N. Hwy 19A, Mount Dora, Florida. Donations are gladly accepted.
Volunteers Needed
We Care of Lake County is constantly in need of volunteer specialists. A short application for Sovereign Immunity is required, followed by a routine contract that covers the physician and their practice. Call their office 352-742-0021 Ext. 12 to speak to their Executive Director to receive an application.
Benefits and Requirements:
- Physicians must accept Sovereign Immunity
- Office staff will be required work with the We Care Case Manager to coordinate services
- Patients are required to be considerate, on time, and compliant
- Physicians will provide necessary treatement and services and return the patient to their health clinic for medical management
Why do physicians volunteer?
Physicians who volunteer with We Care assist the community overall by keeping local residents in good health. People who are forced to compromise their health due to lack of financial resources or health insurance often seek services from the hospital emergency department. By providing the link to specialty medical care, We Care of Lake County is a critical resource in helping people become well, self-sufficient, and productive again.
Schedule flexibility
Volunteer physicians have the flexibility to incorporate indigent patient care into their regular office hour schedule of appointments. This is an important aspect of the program which does not require doctors to leave their office or go to a different clinic location.
Sovereign Immunity
The Florida Department of Health's Volunteer Health Care Provider Program provides liability protection through state-sponsored sovereign immunity. This Florida statute extends liability protection to providers if a lawsuit results from services rendered under the auspices of We Care.
For further information or volunteer opportunities
We Care of Lake County, Inc.
4709 N. Hwy 19A
director@wecarelakecounty.org
