The Nonprofit Network of Southwest Washington awarded the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington its 2014 Excellence in Volunteer Program Award at an awards reception on Sept. 11 at the Heathman Lodge.
The award “honors a nonprofit program that exemplifies strong nonprofit leadership.” The nonprofit must demonstrate “volunteer engagement that allows the organization to provide significant community benefit otherwise not attainable.”
For over 23 years, the Free Clinic has provided care for the uninsured in Clark County. In 1995 there were 125 volunteers providing care at the Free Clinic. Today, over 600 physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacist, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, medical and dental assistants, dental hygienists, students, interpreters, clerical and administrative volunteers provide care for people in need in our community.
Besides urgent care, dental, and medication services, the Free Clinic’s volunteers provide immunizations, sports physicals, vision exams, head lice treatments, health screenings, diabetes clinics, and confidential assistance with health insurance enrollment and connecting with community resources.
The award nomination was made on behalf of the thousands of patients who come through the doors of the Free Clinic each year, many of whom stop to write thank-you notes to the volunteers who have helped them.
“Dear Volunteers: You people are amazing! Giving of your time to help people like myself is truly amazing. I appreciate what each of you do, as I have no insurance, and without your services I’m not sure what I would do. Thank you,” from a thank-you note by a Free Clinic patient.
The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington (Free Clinic) provides and facilitates access to free, compassionate, quality healthcare for children and adults who are otherwise unable to obtain such services. The Free Clinic relies on grants and donations from the local community.
Care and services at the Free Clinic are provided by 600 volunteer medical, dental, and administrative professionals. In 2013, volunteers worked almost 28,000 hours to care for 11,190 patient visits to the medical and dental programs. For more information about the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, visit www.freeclinics.org.
