In Tulsa, Oklahoma, a significant portion of the population—about 11% of Oklahomans—lives without health insurance. For these individuals, falling ill can lead to financial hardship, as medical bills can quickly become overwhelming. Recognizing this critical need, a local organization, Good Samaritan Health Services, has stepped in to provide essential healthcare services free of charge. These efforts are making a profound difference in the lives of many, offering hope and relief to those who might otherwise go without medical care. News Oklahoma’s Naomi Keitt recently visited one of the clinics to shed light on the incredible work being done by this organization and the impact it has on the community.
Inside the Good Samaritan Health Services clinic located at Tulsa County Social Services, the waiting room is filled with individuals who are grateful for the care they receive. One such individual is Vova Zakharov, a native of Ukraine who has been coming to the clinic for treatment. Zakharov, who has been diagnosed with a hernia he cannot afford to repair, shared his gratitude for the clinic, calling it “an answer to prayer.” He emphasized how expensive healthcare can be for those without insurance, expressing his deep appreciation for the compassion and support of the clinic’s staff and volunteers. His story is just one among many, as the clinic has seen nearly 100 patients since it opened its doors six months ago.
The work of Good Samaritan Health Services is driven by a mission to address the urgent healthcare needs of the uninsured and underserved populations. Debi Berk, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the life-changing impact of their services. “We have a number of patient testimonies that tell us we’ve saved their lives,” Berk said. This sentiment is echoed by volunteers like Pamela Al-Wotaid, a retired nurse practitioner who donates her time to the clinic. “I love helping them,” she said. “It’s making a difference in their life. I love that we’re meeting that need.” These words capture the heart of the organization’s mission and the dedication of its team.
Good Samaritan Health Services operates four brick-and-mortar locations and five mobile units, ensuring that their services are accessible to as many people as possible. In the past year alone, they have served over 6,200 patients, providing critical care and preventing many from resorting to emergency rooms for non-emergency conditions. Berk explained that keeping nearly 1,000 people out of the ER is a testament to the organization’s effectiveness. “It’s a huge need,” she said. “I can’t imagine anything worse than needing to see a physician, needing medication, and having no place to go.” By addressing this need, the organization is not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the community as a whole.
At the clinic located at Tulsa County Social Services in northwest Tulsa, patients can receive care every Monday and on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The organization hopes to expand its services even further to reach more people in need. For individuals like Vova Zakharov, who is now on track to have his surgery covered through a partnership with the Ascension St. John Medical Access Program, the support of Good Samaritan Health Services has been nothing short of life-changing. “I’m really grateful to them,” Zakharov said, expressing his deep appreciation for the care and compassion he has received.
The work of Good Samaritan Health Services is a powerful reminder of the impact that community-driven initiatives can have on addressing systemic issues like healthcare access. By providing free, high-quality care to those who need it most, the organization is not only alleviating suffering but also fostering a sense of hope and dignity among its patients. As they continue to grow and expand their reach, Good Samaritan Health Services remains a beacon of compassion and a vital resource for the uninsured and underserved in Oklahoma. For more information about their services and how to support their mission, visit their website.
