Dr. William Laschied. A Man of Distinction

Dr. William Laschied and his wife and professional partner, Nancy, have been in Naples since 1984. Bill practiced dermatology until he and Nancy retired in 1998. Since moving to Naples both Bill and Nancy have been involved in many community and professional activities. Bill’s approach to community service is “hands on.” He is an involved volunteer, giving of himself as well as his time, talent and treasure. Over the years he has participated in several community studies and committees, particularly those task forces with focus on solving the health issues of the poor.

When Bill and Nancy retired, their plans were to enjoy the good life that retired couples plan. However, within in a few weeks Bill began having second thoughts about retirement. One morning over breakfast Bill and Nancy talked about some of the health issues that were facing Naples and Collier County, particularly the plight of the working poor. At that time, there were over 35,000 residents earning below 150% of the federal poverty level which, for a family of four, was about $25,000 a year. Most of these people worked, even if part time, but few had health insurance. And this was in one of the nations most affluent communities.

Armed with pencils, paper, a 30 cup pot of coffee, and boundless energy and enthusiasm, over the next twenty-four hours, they created a plan to help address one of the most serious medical problems in our county – the availability of quality medical care to working but uninsured adults. There is assistance available for people under 19 and over 64, but very little for the thousands of adults in between.

The first step was to craft a mission statement that would become the cornerstone of their idea … “To deliver quality medical care to low-income, working, but uninsured Collier County adults, using a volunteer professional staff with a commitment to deliver these services in a caring, supportive environment that respects the dignity of each patient.”

The tenets of their vision are these:

There will be no double standard of care. Low-cost does not mean low quality. Each patient is treated with dignity and respect.

For a very small fee, patients will receive everything they need to help heal their bodies; a private consultation with a doctor, any required medical testing, and all prescription medications.

No patient will leave the Clinic without “food for the soul” -- a hand on the shoulder, a pat on the back, a hug, and always a warm smile from each and every caregiver.

The Clinic will accept no money from local, state or federal governments. The Clinic is to be a community resource to address a community problem.

To make this dream a reality, the Laschieds challenged their friends, professional colleagues and anyone who would listen and agree to become involved. Fueled by the Laschieds enthusiasm, energy and commitment, the idea snowballed and the concept of a clinic for the working poor gained momentum. On April 12, 1999, the Neighborhood Health Clinic opened its doors which were two small rooms in the old Grand Central Station.

The Clinic has attracted more than 400 volunteers –doctors, nurses and non-medical, who are integral parts of the Clinic team along with the small dedicated administrative staff. The positive impact of the Neighborhood Health Clinic can be measured in many ways. In the six years since inception in the Clinic, a great deal has happened. The Clinic is now housed in an 11,000 square foot fully equipped modern medical facility located on Goodlette Road. There are 10 examination rooms, a fully stocked medication room, laboratory, minor surgical area, administrative offices and a large auditorium-style educational space.

The number of patients treated since opening exceeds 20,000; the dollar value of volunteer hours is over $5 million; and, the value of the some 40,000 prescriptions filled is in excess of $2.5 million. Over 60% of the patients are female; primary occupations of the patients are hospitality, construction, and services like elder care, child care and housekeeping. Patients are expected to contribute one hour’s pay at each visit for all treatment and medication. At this special place health is restored … lives are saved!

The Clinic does not duplicate any of the medical services provided by any other local agency. The cornerstone of the Clinic is a unique philosophy aimed at a sharply focused constituency and there is nothing like anywhere in Collier County or perhaps the nation as well. It is as distinctive as is the man who co-created it.

It is a perplexing proposition to sort out what distinguishes one outstanding individual from another outstanding individual. Men and women of distinction share many characteristics – they are selfless, goal and results driven, energetic, persuasive, passionate, motivated, caring, sensitive people with high personal standards - and even though they are competitive they are consummate team players.

Bill Laschied is unique in that his field is medicine and his vision is providing the working poor with quality medical care. He saw a need and set out to do something about it. He put his personal retirement on hold, used his retirement savings for the initial funding and has through his strength as a leader made the Neighborhood Health Clinic a success. Because of Bill Laschied, truly a man of distinction, a great thing is happening in our community.

Since establishing the Neighborhood Health Clinic, Bill’s efforts have been widely recognized, including the National Jefferson Award for Public Service from President Bush (2000); Gulfshore Life Man of the Year in Medicine (2000); Florida Medical Association Partnership in Medicine Award (2000); Community Foundation Robert C. Cosgrove Award (shared with wife Nancy in 2001); Naples Daily News 2001 Outstanding Citizen Award (also shared with Nancy); and, in 2001, Governor Jeb Bush presented him the State of Florida Points of Light award.

Anyway you measure it; Bill Laschied is a Man of Distinction.

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