FREE CLINIC VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED
On Wednesday, May 21 at Al and Georgia Delbridge’s home, the Free Clinic held its Annual Volunteer Recognition Event. Currently, over 450 volunteers provide services at the Free Clinic or by referral to private offices in the community. This group includes almost 200 physicians, 60 dentists, and 30 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. It also includes many other medical/dental providers such as Nurses, Medical Assistants, Lab Technicians, Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants.
The Dr. Joseph A. Levine Award, named for the late 17 year dental volunteer, was awarded to Dr. David Kiger and Dr William Riley. Dr Kiger is a 20 plus year evening volunteer dentist and 5 year daytime mentor/professor dentist. Dr. Riley is a co-founder of the daytime dental program, Coordinator of the Mentor/Professor program, and a dedicated dental volunteer. Previous winners of this prestigious award include Dr. Joseph Levine (posthumously); Dr. Augustus “Gus” Petticolas; Dr. Lewis Angelo Arthur, and Dr. James Peery. It is given to dentists who demonstrate the caring attitude and devotion to serve others practiced for many years by Dr. Levine.
Honored with Karen Goodwin Awards for their service as Medical/Dental providers were: Tracy Baker, R.N.; Ed Breslow, PHD; Vanessa Cooper, Dental Assistant; Paul Fitzgerald, MD; Roy Lee Garrett, PHD; Leah Hinkle, MD; Charles Joseph, MD; Russell Krantz, PHD; Cheryl Mayo, LCSW; David Polk, DDS; David Riley, DDS; Laura Robert, MD; as well as Cardiology Associates and Lynchburg Family Practice as dedicated medical groups.
Presented with Libba Hughes Awards for their long and valued service as lay person volunteers were the following: Peggy Berger, Board Member/Secretary and Weekly Eligibility Screener; William “Sandy” Carrington, Board Member/Vice President; Dolly Clingenpeel, MedsHelp Staff Assistant; and Robert “Bob” Flint, Board Member and special construction and transportation consultant.
Lifesaver Awards to volunteers who “step up” beyond the call of duty to provide extra services for the clinic in the past year went to: Bob Bowden, MD; Sharon Diamond, MD; Robert “Bob” Dozier, Maintenance Projects; Lynne Forster, R.N; and Leta Hunter, R.N. Special Service Awards were given to: Maiken Hackman – Dental Assistant; Latasha Nicole Porter – Dental Assistant/Front Office Staff (Liberty University 2008); and Fran Stinette – MedsHelp Bedford Satellite Office Staff.
Carol Marcum Catering beautifully provided the food for the event. Deserts were provided by Lucia & Steve Coates of Montana Plains Bakery and Jeff Morris, Manager of the Boonsboro Road Kroger.