By Elaine Latzky
posted
Nov 12, 2012
Dear Editor,
After 65 years of existence and service to infants and children
in Rutland County, Community Childcare of Rutland County, better
known as The Well Baby Clinic, is finally dissolving.
Since the clinic went out of business in 1999 (mainly because
the need had declined as federal and state programs covered the
cost for healthcare for low-income families,) the organization
continued to service children through the School Child Program. It
was Margaret (Peg) Randall who continued to honor requests for
families in need. Peg recently passed away.
The origin of the program dates back to 1947, when a member of
the Rutland Jewish Sisterhood named Anna Frank organized a tag
sale. That effort raised $446 toward running a health care
program for the children of Rutland's needy families, well before
the advent of Medicaid or Dr Dynasaur.
Dr Emily Perkins, one of Rutland's first pediatricians, donated
much of her time and services. Soon, nine religious groups
(Catholic, Protestant and Jewish) and parent-teacher associations
got involved and the program formally became the Community Child
Care Well Baby Clinic in 1949. The clinic moved from the old
Rutland Hospital to the Longfellow school to the Lutheran Church
and finally the Vermont Achievement Center. In January 1950, the
original group disbanded and turned over the assets to a newly
formed non-profit corporation.
Rutland pediatricians provided medical examinations for healthy
children from birth through 5 years old. In addition, the children
were immunized by our public health nurses, given vitamins
free of charge, as well as medicine when the family was unable to
buy it. The clinic also provided used clothing for the
children.
Today, thanks to the prudence of the volunteers of the churches
and the synagogue there are funds remaining in our treasury. The
Executive Committee of the organization has decided to donate the
remaining funds to several organizations in Rutland County that
work with infants and school age children for their health and
wellness. It is our hope that the money will benefit the
organizations and aid them in continuing their mission as well as
that of Community Childcare.
The warmth that came through with so many volunteers made our
clients feel comfortable and unafraid. We would like to thank
all the people who have been involved over these many years for
their time, their energy, and their love.
Elaine Latzky, Mendon, Vt.
