November 13, 2005

“Champion of Free Clinics” Award Presented to Del. Phil Hamilton

Portsmouth, VA – The Virginia Association of Free Clinics (VAFC) today presented Del. Phillip A. Hamilton (R – Newport News) with its “Champion of Free Clinics” Award in honor of his legislative accomplishments in 2005.

The presentation was made during the opening ceremonies of the 2005 VAFC Annual Conference at the Portsmouth Renaissance Hotel and Waterfront Conference Center and attended by more than 200 Free Clinic representatives and health industry leaders.

Del. Hamilton played a leadership role in securing passage of an additional $400,000 in state general funds for Free Clinics during the 2005 General Assembly.  The appropriation, which now totals $1,321,400, is earmarked for the acquisition and provision of prescription medications to patients of Virginia’s Free Clinics. 

In presenting the award, Mark Cruise, CAE, VAFC Executive Director, commented, “Of all who serve in the Virginia House of Delegates, Free Clinics could not have a better champion of its public policy needs than Del. Hamilton.  We are very delighted to have the opportunity tonight to present him with this very deserving award.”  Thanks to funds from the Commonwealth of Virginia and many other private and public sector partners, Virginia’s Free Clinics dispensed more than $41 million of prescription medications to its patients in fiscal year 2005.

“I am very honored to receive this award from the VAFC,” Del. Hamilton expressed upon receiving the award.  “Free Clinics perform a vital role in ensuring that vulnerable Virginians are able to receive health care when they become sick, and I am grateful to play a part in supporting their outstanding efforts.”

Phil Hamilton has been a member of the Virginia House of Delegates since 1988.  He represents the 93rd House district, which includes parts of Newport News City and James City County.  He is Chairman of the House Health, Welfare, and Institutions Committee.  He is also a member of the House Appropriations Committee, serving as Chair of the Health and Human Resources Subcommittee.  Del. Hamilton is also a member of the Joint Commission on Health Care.

Founded in 1993, the VAFC is the oldest Free Clinic association in the U.S. Its mission is to support, strengthen, and advocate for Free Clinics to deliver quality health care services to Virginia’s low-income, uninsured and underinsured residents. More information about the VAFC and Virginia’s Free Clinics is available at www.vafreeclinics.org.

Phone:
(804) 340-3434

Fax:
(804) 340-3435

Email:
mara@vafreeclinics.org