| Volunteer Dentist, Free Clinic of Central Virginia,
Lynchburg
I volunteer at the Free Clinics because of the suffering of the unseen
folks in pain. I knew I could help those people. I realized that I could
come here and take my time and treat these folks in pain and they can
go out and have better lives. I feel better about myself because of that.
My daily practice is really a utility, but the purest form of practice
I do is right here at the Free Clinic.
Working here has allowed me to express my love for people in need, and
that has given me untold joy. To be able to be part of something that
has slowly changed the culture of my profession is wonderful. Over
the years, we've been able to bring in other medical professionals to
volunteer their time and talents and skill as well. Once we get
someone down here and they see a patient, and they see the need that
can't be met any other way unless they step up, that usually convinces
them. The connection is made. You don't have to write a letter
and ask them to come back. They come in, they see the need, they
experience the purest form of practice, they come back again and again
to help these folks who so desperately need it. They realize how
empowered and endowed they are with the gift of healing. They experience
the patient's gratitude. That is a joy that extends way beyond any monetary
payback. This is practicing medicine in its purest form.
President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Virginia
Our partnership with the Free Clinics started nearly 15 years ago when
we, as a company, saw the need to help Virginians who could not afford
health insurance get medical care. Since 1992, we have contributed
more than $8 million in grant monies to the Free Clinic system.
Providing access to quality health care for all Virginians continues
to be a major challenge facing the commonwealth. With more than
a million uninsured Virginians, it is more than a health issue and a
financial issue, it is a compassion issue. When we have a country as
fortunate as ours, yet have so many people without access to quality
care, that is simply unacceptable. We must do everything we can
to meet the needs of those who are not as fortunate.
Free Clinics are a critical element in the daily health care system.
They are an example of the community coming together to take care of
its neighbors. We, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, are part
of that community. It is the compassionate thing to do. It
is the practical thing to do. It is the right thing to do.
With the second largest Free Clinic system in the country, Virginia is
leading the nation in meeting an important need. We're proud to be
a part of such good work. Anthem's leaders and associates are also
volunteers at Free Clinics. We are in the process of spreading our passion
throughout the country. Maybe then we can start to make a difference in
America, just like we have done in Virginia.
Health Education Director, Cross Over Ministry, Richmond
As a member of Cross Over Ministry's staff I have been so blessed
to be able to interact with people in need and help them. My faith is
stronger because of this opportunity to serve those in need.
I believe our volunteers come back time and time again for the blessings
they receive from serving and for the gifts of appreciation and deep
faith they receive from those they intended to serve. Those who
come to serve are themselves served.
We provide a haven of hope, healing and safety for those who would
be destitute and helpless without a medical home to go to. Comments
such as, "I don't know what I would do without you," or, "I
come here to get respect and hope," speak loudly to the value that
is placed on our compassionate care. We are a refuge where the
convergence of different cultures, social classes and needs come together
and embrace.
Because of the hope that is offered through our program, lives have
been changed and members of communities knitted together, empowering
people to care for themselves and equipping them with tools to care for
others. It is a way to enable members from under-served communities to
participate and partner on an equal level and make a difference in our
community.
Former Executive Director, Virginia Association of Free Clinics
The most important thing for people to understand about Virginia's Free
Clinics is that they are not a stopgap measure but an integral part of
the daily health care fabric of Virginia. We are meeting the ongoing
critical needs of more than 65,000 Virginians who have no health insurance.
Not just with clinical health care but with a comprehensive, compassionate
and holistic approach to that care.
If you see what we see every day, you know that a lot of people are
in need. And all of those who come to us are being well taken care
of. Our benefactors, supporters, staff and volunteers collaborate in
a seldom-seen fashion to get that neverending job done. Such dynamic
collaboration by so many organizations, companies and health professionals
is a testimony to the values and commitment of so many.
With the help of caring people and the deep and constant support of
organizations like Anthem and many others, we are able to provide total
health care to people who otherwise would have none. That's an important
job and we count our successes in lives saved and changed.
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