PRESS RELEASE
RETAIL MERCHANT and PLYMALE GRANTS go to FREE CLINICThe Free Clinic of Central Virginia and its MedsHelp Program were recently awarded two grants by the Retail Merchants Association Foundation. A $3,500 stipend will be used for the general operating costs of the Free Clinic itself. The second gift for $1,200 was designated to the MedsHelp Program to assist with the securing of medications for patients. These are primarily low-income patients referred from local physicians' offices, Bedford Christian Free Clinic, and sometimes from the Free Clinic of Central Virginia too. Thanks to Debbie Montgomery, Executive Director, and the Board of Directors of the Retail Merchants Association for on-going support for these vital services.
Back in December, the Plymale Foundation, which is now connected with the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust award a $3,500 grant to the Free Clinic. This sum will also be used to defray general operating costs. In 2009, every $1 donated to the Free Clinic returned $12 in health care services to the community. In 2010, with additional clinics, services, and patients, this return is currently estimated as high as $14 for every $1 donated. This is accomplished due to hundreds of volunteer medical providers, the clinic's ability to secure over $2.3 million worth of free medications, and the support of Centra Health.