With all of the safety nets, some people - particularly the poor - fall beyond the support systems. Even though Long Island is one of the most affluent areas in this country, there are many of us without access to medical care.

Recognizing that need, the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club decided to take action to help the sick in need. In 1993, it cooperated with The Interfaith Nutrition Network to create, at the Mary Brennan INN, a complete range of free medical, nursing, laboratory and pharmaceutical services. "Rotacare" is the name given to this community outreach program. Support for the effort now stretches across Long Island, including Rotary Clubs in Brooklyn and Queens. Rotacare has helped make a difference.

Staffed with only one full time employee, who coordinates services, most of the actual care is provided by volunteers. Doctors, nurses, social service workers, and others donate their time by providing medical support for those in need. In addition, Mercy Medical Center and the Nassau County Medical Center have been providing tests, procedures and hospitalization without charge. And Rotacare also provides free pharmaceuticals.

Over the last five years, thousands of people have been treated at the Rotacare facility. On many occasions, volunteers serving on the medical team have actually saved lives by gaining admission to hospitals for people when a life threatening condition was diagnosed. It has been estimated that these services have saved taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars and have made the patients feel comfortable, as well.

Beyond facilitating health care for the poor in cooperation with the INN, Rotacare wants to export their model to other communities on Long Island. If it can work in Hempstead, why not in other communities?

Beyond the ongoing need for volunteers from the healthcare community, Rotacare needs other forms of assistance. Funds are always valued, and Rotacare can also use clerical volunteers. And drivers are also needed to transport patients to and from appointments.

At this time of the year, the holiday lights often blind our eyes to the needs of the poor. Yet they are still in need. If you would like to know more about Rotacare, you can call 486-8506. Should you care to make a tax deductible contribution to support the medical services, your check can be sent to Rotacare at Box 42, Garden City, New York, 11530. I can assure you that it is a wonderful cause.