George is a 56-year-old white male who came to the Clinic complaining of stomach pain, disorientation and shortness of breath.  He was diagnosed with severe ascites (abdominal distension due to fluid build-up, usually caused by liver damage).  Clinic staff determined he had a history of alcohol abuse. George was sent to the Community Memorial Hospital Emergency Department for fluid drainage, and returned to the Clinic for counseling and education on liver disease and long-term effects of alcoholism. He was referred to a community resource for addiction treatment, and continued coming to the Clinic for support and monitoring of his medical condition.

With his alcoholism and medical symptoms under control, George was referred to a doctor at Medical Associates (part of the Clinic’s referral network), who performed surgery to repair two hernias. As a result of his ongoing recovery, George has stopped drinking, lost 45 pounds and walks 5 miles a day. He comes to the Clinic regularly for alcohol blood level testing, medications, and ongoing monitoring.  George feels like he has been given a second chance at life thanks to the help he received from the Outreach Clinic.