News
Did You Know?
- 85% of Free Clinic funding comes right from Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.
- 62% of Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic patients earn under 100% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is $21,000 for a family of four.
Free Clinic Newsletter
United Way Public Service Announcement features the Harrisonburg Rockingham Free Clinic
Experts Talk Uninsured, Free Clinics
via dnronline.com:
Free clinics are becoming more important as the recession continues and more Virginians find themselves without health insurance.
That was the topic at a health insurance forum held Thursday at the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic.
In 2007, 56,000 patients visited free clinics in Virginia. That number has grown to 67,000 in 2009, and experts say it will continue to grow.
Lou Markwith, the executive director of the Virginia Association of Free Clinics attended the forum. He said free clinics will be needed even if the federal government adopts a universal health care policy.
"We believe there will be a continuing role for free clinics. There will always be people, regardless of the system that will fall through the gap," says Markwith.
There are about 1.1 million uninsured Virginians, about 20,000 of which live in Rockingham County.
Health Care In A Sick Economy
People Turn To Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic After Losing Jobs, Insurance
via dnronline.com:
Kathy Spitzer, 43, didn't know how she would get treatment for her chronic health problems after losing her job and health insurance earlier this year.
The irony for the Timberville resident is that she lost her job because of her poor health, which prevented her from doing the work.
Among other things, Spitzer has atherosclerosis, a disease that causes thickening of the artery walls. She had blockages in her legs that were preventing blood from flowing to sores on her feet, hindering the healing process.
With no other options and in dire need of medical attention care, Spitzer turned to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic. The nonprofit center, located on Water Street in Harrisonburg, provides qualified residents with free health care.
Read the full article at dnronline.com
Free Clinic in the News
Read the full article here, or watch the video clip here.
An excerpt from WHSV:
The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic has been providing health care for working, low-income residents for almost 20 years.
Social work coordinator Bernie Mathes says the free clinic is packed with patients, but some are struggling in the current economy, which is why the clinic created an alternative.
"This volunteering option has been a real blessing for some of our patients," says Mathes.The clinic now allows patients to volunteer at nonprofit organizations and approved businesses in the area in exchange for health care.
Vision, Mission and Strategic Goals -- 2007-2010
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Free Clinic
Approved by the Board -- September 13, 2007
Vision Statement
The HRFC is the recognized volunteer-based health care organization that facilitates the improvement of the health and well-being of eligible, uninsured residents through collaboration with community providers and the provision of medical and dental services with an emphasis on positive life-style change.
Mission Statement
To partner with uninsured residents for improved health and life-style change.
Guiding Practices
Quality outpatient health services
Extensive referral network
Treatment with dignity and respect
Services provided by qualified volunteers and staff
Strategic Goals
1. Establish a separate 501(c)(3) dental clinic
2. Develop therapeutic lifestyle change programs
3. Increase number of patients served by 25% each year for the next 3-years
4. Promote creative public relations/public awareness
5. Increase active volunteers by 100%
6. Identify and make appropriate changes to pharmacy services