A Short History
In the fall of 2000, concerned citizens began a
community conversation about the needs of the medically
uninsured. The result was a decision to begin a "free clinic" to serve this population of over 4,000 County residents
In May 2003 after a year of preparation (organizing a Board, recruiting volunteers, securing donated medical equipment), we began the clinic in some renovated and contributed space at the Bread of Life. In just a few months this space proved inadquate for the number of clients seeking assistance. New space for evening clinics was made available by the Transylvania County Health Department in the Community Services Building.
In Spring 2005 a generous gift of $25,000 from the Women of St. Philips Episcopal Church and many volunteer hours of contributed labor from the men of the Church made it possible for us to have our own leased space of 2,500 square feet in the ground floor of Sharing House. Since moving to this new space in January 2006 we have been able to expand clinic hours, provide more laboratory services, serve patients more efficiently and have some much needed administrative space.
Our New Program
The Free Clinic of Transylvania County provides free medications for qualifying patients as part of our service. Beginning in late summer 2006, we will expand this service to provide free medications to patients of other doctors. To be eligible for this service, Transylvania County residents must be under age 65, be uninsured and have a limited income.
This is a cooperative program of The Free Clinic of Transylvania County and Transylvania Community Hospital. Volunteers at our facility will interview applicants to establish eligibility for this program. Prescriptions will be filled by the Pharmacy at the Hospital. It is estimated that over 4200 county residents will be eligible for this program. Sanple eligibility guidelines are incomes less than $26,400 for a two-person family and $40,000 for a family of four.
Financial support to begin the Community Pharmacy is from grant to The Free Clinic of Transylvania County from the Sisters of Mercy Foundation, Transylvania County and the United Way of Transylvania County.
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