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Providing healing and hope to the working poor |
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Newsletter for |
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Free Clinic Launches New
Breast Cancer On February 14, 2004, The Free Clinic (FC) initiated its new program, which is designed to increase patients' awareness of the need for breast cancer education and preventative treatment. The "Kick-Off" Event was held on Valentine's Day at the clinic as a "Celebration of Caring". There were balloons, door prizes of cosmetics, catered food by Arlene Banks, informational programs, and informational materials. The Awareness Program is being funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation from February 2004 until January 2005. Thirty to forty staff and volunteers hosted over one hundred guests on this Saturday morning to develop an interest and support for the new program. The program itself will encourage women to have an annual physical exam, learn more about breast cancer signs and prevention, teach breast self-exam, and culminate with an annual mammogram. It will also have an outreach component, which will offer at least 10 educational programs in the community. Specific goals of the Awareness Program will include a combination of the following: 1) An increased number of FC women patients undergoing complete physical exams. 2) An increased number of FC women patients being taught breast self-exam. 3) The offering of at least 6 educational programs for women patients at the FC. 4) An increased number of FC women patients receiving annual mammograms at Centra Health or through the Mammography Mobile at the FC. If needed, the program is tied into other breast cancer support programs coordinated by Centra Health and the Lynchburg Health department. The program will conclude in January 2005 with a special "Celebration of Life" at the Free Clinic. |
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Spotlight on Pete Warren Dr. D. L. "Pete" Warren is an exemplary member of the FC's Board of Directors. He never misses a meeting, and he actively contributes his ideas and energy. He is currently serving as Chair of the Fundraising Committee. In late 2003, Dr. Warren received the Central Virginia Association of Professional Fundraisers Annual Award as "Individual Fundraiser of the Year". The former Lynchburg Mayor never says "no" to a fundraising project for the FC or, for that matter, any organization. We salute the contributions of Dr. D.L. "Pete" Warren to the Free Clinic and our community! |
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Meal Donors needed to fill 2004 Schedule A schedule is currently being developed for meal/heavy snack donations during 2004. The meals/snacks are a "highlight" of the Free Clinic's two evening clinics each week, when medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and office volunteers rotate through to screen and see patients. Most of these volunteers come to the FC directly from their full-time day jobs. The meals/snacks go a long way toward maintaining morale and further developing the fellowship that accompanies evening work. If you've been a donor in the past, or would like to consider it as an individual or part of a church or civic group, please contact Jane Ayers or Meme Garner at the clinic (847-5866). |
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2004 Spring Term Interns The Free Clinic, as always, is indebted to the student interns who volunteer their services to our community:
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NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Due to changing personnel and the new Breast Cancer program, there are 4 "new" staff members for you to meet: YOLONDA JOHNSON - Pharmacy Coordinator rejoined the FC team in November 2003. Ms. Johnson was employed by the FC in a similar position in 1999. She is a graduate of Heritage High School, Air Force veteran, worked at Centra Health and Tom Jones Drug, and is a CPhT and RPhT. CAROL BIRCE - Dental Assistant - joined the team as a paid replacement for
Laura Jackson, who is currently on maternity leave. Ms. Birce has served
as a volunteer dental assistant at the FC for many years. She is working
from February until May 2004. MARIANNE STORTON - Clinic Nurse II/ Breast Cancer Program - is the only truly "new" employee. Ms. Storton has worked in hospital settings and as a public health nurse. She started working at the FC in March 2004. BRENDA WAMPLER - Clinic Nurse II - has rejoined the team in March 2004. Ms. Wampler served the FC as Patient Care Coordinator in 1991-1996 and has worked at Lynchburg Family Practice. |
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AN UPDATE Due to space limitations, please note this brief update on this exciting, relatively new day-time dental program. Led by Dr. William Riley and Christy Burtner, Dental Assistant, this program is having a significant impact on the dental needs of our community. In the first four months of the program (August 22-December 15, 2003), over 500 patient visits were accommodated for dental exams, dental hygiene, restorative work, and extractions. This number is more than have been seen in a whole year in the past. The FC has "used up" its waiting list, is expanding its service area for dental patients, and is partnering with new entities to assure continued service to Central Virginians for years to come. |
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FREE CLINIC EARNS At the Annual United Way Breakfast meeting in February, the Free Clinic received the W. David Crews Award. This award was given "in recognition for the agency's outstanding work during the year to focus on its mission and provide effective outcomes for its clients". The FC was also recognized as a Gold Award winner for the third year in a row for the staff's participation in the annual United Way campaign. |
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STAFF AND CLINIC NEWS Melanie Smith was first employed at the FC in October 1999. After a brief "escape" to California from October 2001 until March 2002, she returned to the Free Clinic. For the past two years, Ms. Smith has been the primary care provider during the day at the clinic. She sees patients by appointments on a daily basis. She is highly respected by her patients and the FC staff and volunteers for her sound medical judgment, sensitivity to patient needs, and her overall caring style. |
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OUTREACH PROGRAMS UPDATE The Free Clinic continues to offer outreach programs in the community, which present general information about the Free Clinic and offer blood pressure screenings, glucose testing, and/or cholesterol testing. In January and March 2004, the team has visited the Jubilee Family Development Center. In the months ahead there will be visits to the following locations: Monocan Indian Pow Wow in Amherst on May 15; Uncle Billy's Day at the Altavista Trade Lot on June 5; and Westminster-Canterbury in Lynchburg in late July. These latter three locations are in addition to other sites where this team will be accompanying the new Breast Cancer Awareness Program. |
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ELEVATOR PROJECT At this time the Community Development Building Grant (CDBG) committee appointed by City Council has recommended that the Free Clinic's project for the reinstallation of an elevator in the building be included on the 2004-2005 funding list. At a City Council hearing on March 9, the Executive Director spoke for the project and no one has spoken against it or opposed it. City Council will formally vote on the recommendation after a work session at their April 13 meeting. Completion of this project will allow the Free Clinic to use the middle floor for expanding services or adding other agencies/services. The middle floor will be "handicapped accessible" when the new elevator is installed. |
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PLEASE HELP The Free Clinic Needs Your Financial
Gifts. |
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