FREE
CLINICS
CARE FOR
VIRGINIA

Test

Test

Get Facts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

@vafreeclinics

Did you know that free and charitable clinics offe

Did you know that free and charitable clinics offer so much more than just a quick check-up or urgent care intervention?

Clinics surround patients with the complete care and intervention they need, enabling providers to focus on what’s really going on a patient’s life from a holistic sense. It goes beyond basic medical care and addresses the social and economic factors that may be impacting a patient’s health. By treating patients beyond the exam room, clinics make a meaningful impact in people’s lives and help them achieve better outcomes. This is one way that free and charitable clinics are helping to address health disparities in communities across Virginia. #FreeClinicsCare

Congratulations to Joan Ritter, Arlington Free Cli

Congratulations to Joan Ritter, Arlington Free Clinic volunteer medical director for being honored with the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation’s 2020 “Salute to Service Award” for her efforts on behalf of the uninsured and underinsured.

With the support of medical and non-medical volunteers, the Arlington Free Clinic provides comprehensive health-care services to 1,600 low-income, uninsured adults in Arlington, many of them with complex medical conditions. “Dr. Ritter is amazing in her ability to balance the many aspects of her life to improve the health of our vulnerable patients,” said Nancy White, the Arlington Free Clinic’s president. “She is readily accessible to us, which is vital, as our clinic does not have paid physicians on staff. Our nurses know they always have someone they can contact when a critical situation arises.”

Just launched: statewide vaccine pre-registration

Just launched: statewide vaccine pre-registration system to provide a unified and comprehensive process for people in Virginia to pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine. Visit vaccinate.virginia.gov and pre-register for your COVID-19 vaccine today!

The @vafreeclinics welcomes Rhonda A. Stewart, who

The @vafreeclinics welcomes Rhonda A. Stewart, who will join the Western Tidewater Free Clinic as its new leader on on March 15. She is familiar with the clinic and the community, having previously served on board of directors from 2011 to 2013.

What a tremendous woman and leader! Thank you @riv

What a tremendous woman and leader! Thank you @riversidehealth for this moving tribute to Golden Bethune-Hill, founder and current director of The Community Free Clinic of Newport News, a nonprofit clinic that takes care of the medical and dental needs of uninsured patients living in Newport News and Hampton VA:

It wasn’t unusual for Golden Bethune-Hill to crank up the song “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” to inspire the staff at Riverside.

The 1970s disco hit could be the signature tune about her legacy, too. The retired Executive Vice President of Riverside Regional Medical Center is a first generation college graduate. She established an endowed scholarship at her alma mater. At a time when many nurses entered their careers with a Diploma or Associate degree, Bethune-Hill earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

During her tenure at Riverside, she modeled compassion and appreciation, regularly reminding the managers around her to “catch” employees doing something good and point it out. She kept an ear out to listen to patients or to mentor the younger nurses on staff.

She also founded the free clinic following her retirement, “I had no idea what I was getting into, but I knew I had to make it work,” Bethune-Hill said. “Like they say in church, ‘You have to get out of the walls and take care of the people.’ We had thousands of patients right away. Riverside continues to just pour out its love and support for this clinic.”

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU TODAY?

Virginia Association of Free & Charitable Clinics

1801 Libbie Avenue, Suite 104, Richmond, VA 23226

Connect with us

Copyright © 2021 Virginia Association of Free Clinics, Inc.