01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, August 12, 2004

BY ZACHARY R. MIDER
Journal Staff Writer

WEST WARWICK -- Thundermist Health Center announced yesterday that its Arctic clinic will offer physical examinations and immunizations to schoolchildren through Sept. 3 at no cost to their families.

"All school-aged children are eligible, regardless of their income, place of residence or insurance status," Thundermist said in a statement. Children without insurance will be treated at the clinic's expense, while copayments will be waived for those with insurance, it said.

After Sept. 3, the agency said, the usual fees will apply.

Thundermist, a Woonsocket-based nonprofit agency, opened the clinic on Main Street this year. Supported by a federal grant, the clinic targets poor and uninsured patients who pay fees on a sliding scale keyed to income.

Last weekend, volunteers from Thundermist and HOPE Worldwide New England, a charity founded by the International Churches of Christ, knocked on doors throughout West Warwick to talk to residents about immunizations, lead poisoning and other children's health issues. They reported visiting more than 2,000 households.

"Thundermist is pleased to provide children with an opportunity to enter school fully up-to-date with their immunizations and exams, since this has been a real hurdle for some families in the past," said Stephanie McCaffrey, a Thundermist vice president. "We want to remove any barrier that might be preventing parents from getting their children in to see a doctor before school starts. Waiving our fees for this period is also a way of introducing Thundermist to the community and helping folks to become aware of our services."

Thundermist can be reached at 401-615-2800.