May 11, 2009

VAFC Welcomes the Health Wagon as a New Member Clinic

(Glen Allen, VA) – The Virginia Association of Free Clinics (VAFC) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the application for membership of the Health Wagon of Clincho, Virginia. Health Wagon has been serving patients in Dickinson Wise and Buchanan Counties for more than twenty-five years. The Health Wagon spearheads the largest medical outreach in the nation- Remote Area Medical (RAM) Health Expedition is Wise County annually

"We are pleased to welcome the Health Wagon to the VAFC network of free clinics. This organization provides dedicated and exemplary service to Southwestern Virginia,” said Trice Gravatte, board chair. “The unique service model the Health Wagon provides will enable current members to learn about new practices and the Association looks forward to the opportunity to assist with the RAM Clinic project in future years.”

Teresa Gardner, Executive Director said, "We are truly excited about this valuable partnership and are looking forward to the collaboration with similar organizations. Although we have been in existence for twenty-seven years, wefeel this partnership will bring additional resources to our free clinic and enhance the manner in which we reach out to serve those most in needof health care."

"Being a member of the VAFC is awonderful opportunity to enhance the Health Wagoncommunity health program and expand uponour mission to provide quality, compassionate health care to the medically underserved in themountains of Appalachia," said Larry Kennedy, Board Chair, when he learned of the new relationship.

The Association has experienced rapid growth in the last two years. The number of patients served has increased by 8.2 % in 2007 to more than 61,000. In 2008 the number of patients increased by 25% to more than 76,500.  The network provided more than 308,000 patient visits and dispensed more than 680,000 prescriptions. The Free Clinics provide $5.50 worth of medical services for each $1 expended.

These efficiencies are possible because of the dedicated support of more than 10,000 volunteers who donated thousands of hours each year.  Since January, the Association has added five new members and expects to continue to grow through 2010. Currently, there are new clinics being established in five communities across the Commonwealth.

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:
lou@vafreeclinics.org