My husband and I retired and moved to the Northern Neck of Virginia in 1984. I am a registered nurse and wanted to continue helping others as a volunteer in the area. I was introduced to the Clinic by a retired physicain in our church, who had been instrumental in founding the Clinic. That was 16 years ago and during that time I have seen the Clinic expand from a temporary building to a permanent 10,500sq ft. facility, providing chronic and acute health and dental care, counseling, education and pharmacutical services to poor and uninsured patients in 5 Northern Neck counties.
Counseling diabetic patients is my speciality, to provide training that help them deal with diet, medications and diabetic related health issues and the use of a glucometer to measure blood sugar levels.
The NNFHC is a blessing to this community to both patients and to the staff and volunteers, who want to stay active and useful. Come visit us.
I have volunteered as a Pharmacist at this clinic for 16 years. It has grown form a one night a week operation to a 5 day operation with its own facility including medical and dental services to 5 rural counties.
It has an excellent reputation within the community and enjoys a high degree of volunteer participation from both health professionals and local citizens.
Expanded dental care provided by partnering with Virginia Commonwealth University to provide dental students as part of their training.
The Clinic serves many uninsured residents of this rural area that would have no other options for healthcare within 45 miles. They do a great job in medical, dental and counseling, with very few employees and many great volunteers.
The clinic is a great place to work, and volunteer. It is always nice when you can help people. And there is a great need in our area. There are a lot of people out of work and most other people don't make enough money to be able to get health insurance. The clinic can help in so many ways, with doctor visits, dental, mental health, pain management and more. And the patients are so greatful it makes you want to help.
NNFHC provides millions of dollars worth of medical and dental services and prescription drugs to the residents of eight counties in an economically depressed area. Hundreds of volunteers provide these services in three locations. Like the patients it serves, though, this clinic faces constant budget battles.
As a Registered Nurse and Pharmacy Technician, I have volunteered frequently at the NNFHC for the last 6 years, and seen it help many needy people keep their lives as healthy as possible. It continues to give me a great deal of satisfaction in my retirement, to be able to contribute in a constructive way to all sorts of individuals who are currently in need of education, medications, medical and dental assistance. The staff and volunteers I encounter, remain dedicated to improving the quality and types of assistance that can be provided to those in need of same.
As a Volunteer Nurse I see first hand the outstanding job done at the Northern Neck Free Health Clinic. It provides a safety net for those that have no other option for health care. The clinic offers Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Mental Health, and specialy education in chronic diseases. This clearly is one of the many answers to our Health Care Crisis by providing a comprehensive approach to health care instead of a short term fix. Kate Bott, RN., MS
As pediatric nurse practitioner, I have volunteered in providing direct health care to children in this clinic. At times children are caught in the transitions that families may have during a crisis, i.e., a sudden move or loss of income to the family. When the children are placed in new schools, they are required to have physical exams prior to entrance. The family may not have had the opportunity or time yet to stabilize themselves enough to seek traditional health care resources. Their parent may not have the money or the insurance to provide this health exam for their child. By providing this exam thru the clinic, I help a child to get back into a "normal" routine and feel more secure in their life by insuring their entrance into a local school. It also offers the opportunity to refer the parents to resources within the community. Having the Free Health Clinic in our community is a "godsend" to the people of the Northern Neck of VA when they are in need.