| 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.
Former 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.
Gloria Just, PhD.,
R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.Nurse Practitioner, Bedford Christian Free
Clinic, Bedford
Nurse Practitioners enable free clinic medical
sessions to remain possible when physicians aren't readily available to
volunteer. Those free clinics who have willing Nurse Practitioners to
faithfully volunteer are truly blessed! Gloria Just of Moneta, VA, is
but one shining example.
Nurse Practitioner Just volunteers at the Bedford
Christian Free Clinic and has often done so twice per week for a number of
years, now. Her impact in Bedford has impressed free clinic patients and her
volunteer colleagues alike.
"I like Mrs. Just because she seems to care about my well being and
she has taken the time to explain my diabetes and that I have certain
responsibilities myself to improve my health-- beyond my just taking the
insulin" recounted one patient recently." One evening, Mrs. Just called me
at home just to see if I was having any difficulties taking my medicine.
--It meant a lot to me to hear from her personally like that."
Mrs. Just often proves herself to be an
advocate for patients in other ways, too. She works with other volunteer
staff, including the patient referral specialist, who coordinates outside
specialty care options for patients.
Mrs. Just works hard in concert with volunteer physicians in
determining the best course of treatment for clinic patients who can present
with quite alarming health concerns.
She personally has helped guide several
patients through particularly serious health matters, including cancer.
The free clinic in Bedford is fortunate to have Gloria Just and
volunteers like her. She's a shining example of truly exceptional
volunteerism which revolves around her passion for helping others find
their way back to better health. "Finding avenues for the clinic to help
educate our patients is extremely important to me," she noted. "I find
volunteering to be especially rewarding whenever I can help guide our
patients towards a better understanding of their health care. I also
enjoy the camaraderie among other volunteers as we all work and interact
together in the free clinic setting. I always meet the nicest people at
the clinic!"
Louis M. Markwith
Executive Director, Virginia Association of Free Clinics
It is a pleasure to come to work each day. While I have enjoyed many
things about my positions over the years, there has never been a consistent
feeling of making a contribution. Unfortunately, I do not have regular
contact with the many patients who come to Virginia’s Free Clinics, but
there is a lot of contact with Executive Directors and clinic staff. The
seminal thing is the “spirit of people” who are associated with Free
Clinics.
I have made about two hundred and fifty visits to clinics across the
Commonwealth in the last three years. I have never seen a disheartened
person in a clinic. From the receptionist at the front door to the medical
staff to the Board members, they all have a positive attitude about their
individual role in the clinic. Each one understands the mission of the
organization and is willing to do whatever is required to insure that
patients are treated, first, with respect. Moreover, these paid and
volunteer staffs are dedicated to seeing that the patient receives the best
possible treatment and the best possible outcome related to the patient’s
medical problems.
At our recent Executive Director’s Retreat, participants reported on new
advances in their clinics. It is inspiring to hear about the innovation and
fundraising that is happening across the state in a time of increased
pressure for services and a deep economic recession. VAFC clinics are
starting new dental program as well as optometry and clinical pharmacy
programs. Three clinics are expanding their clinical space and recruiting
new volunteers from medical schools and some are hiring new staff. There are
groups of volunteers who are organizing new clinics in underserved area in
the state.
Just today (May 2010), an Executive Director reported that funds are very
tight. She had to stop paying her staff in order to buy supplies for the
clinic. Everyone showed up at their regular time to work as volunteers until
the clinic can get back on its feet. I am honored to be associated with the
700+ people who work full and part time at Virginia’s Free Clinics and with
some of the 11,000+ medically trained and lay volunteers who serve our
patients each year.
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