by Kathy Para
The JBA Pro Bono Committee Chair
The strong ethical standards of both the medical and legal professions have created many success stories for more than nine years of joint efforts in Jacksonville through the Northeast Florida Medical Legal Partnership (NFMLP).
In 2010, following a $41,000 grant from The Florida Bar Foundation and a $15,000 grant from Comcast, the NFMLP expanded from serving patients at Jacksonville Transitional and Health Services at Shands to include patients at the Sulzbacher Center medical clinics, Healthy Start, Children’s Medical Services, the Azalea Project and other providers of medical services to low-income families.
The NFMLP provides a communication network of physicians and attorneys committed to eliminating barriers to good health that might have their roots in legal issues.
With the additional funding and expansion in the number of clinics in the network, the number of patients served is on track to triple in 2011 compared to 2010.
This is especially noteworthy since the number of referrals in 2010 showed significant increase over 2009. This increase in clients over the past two years also has increased the need for attorneys and firms to assist patients with legal issues.
The NFMLP provides a special opportunity for pro bono attorneys to, in a very real way, become part of the medical team working on behalf of low-income, vulnerable or under-served patients.
By combining the resources and expertise of the medical and legal communities, outcomes are accomplished that help stabilize families in the areas of income, housing, education, guardianship and immigration, to name a few.
The NFMLP provides free CLE webinar trainings for pro bono attorneys. Pro bono attorneys who wish to volunteer receive case information for review prior to case acceptance and are covered by the professional liability insurance of Jacksonville Area Legal Aid.
The inevitable growth of the joint venture between the medical and legal professions is illustrated by the eight health care institutions and 10 legal partner institutions currently involved in Northeast Florida.
The community-based collaboration is guided by 23 outstanding board members who provide a multidisciplinary team approach to solving health problems in our community.
Because so many areas of law are related to health issues among the less fortunate, there is opportunity in the NFMLP for attorneys in virtually any area of practice.
The NFMLP has a developing website (www.nfmlp.org) from which medical providers may make referrals and pro bono attorneys may volunteer.
Local attorneys or medical professionals with questions or who are interested in being involved with the NFMLP may also contact Kathy Para by e-mail or phone: [email protected], 356-8371, ext. 363.