Our Year in Review – July 2013 – June 2014
The year was another exciting and busy one. We are so fortunate to have over 20 volunteer health care providers, 20 volunteer nurses, and 4 pharmacists to provide services to the Clinic. Another 60 people complete the rest of our volunteer staff. Each week volunteers work 165 hours to keep the Clinic operating.
Clyde Edgerton, NC author and entertainer, helped us celebrate our 20th Anniversary with a fundraiser and celebration. Clyde had been a longtime supporter of the Clinic and we look forward to his help every other year.
During April, I was pleased to be able to present Dr. Mark Heffington with the Don Lucy Award. This is the highest award given by the NC Association of Free Clinics to a volunteer. Dr. Heffinton has been a volunteer at the Clinic since 2008. He was nominated for this prestigious award by Merci Clinic of New Bern, Hope Clinic of Bayboro and our very own Broad Street Clinic for his volunteer efforts at all three clinics. He is the founder of the free clinic in Cashiers, NC.
A health fair was held in September with the NC Farm Bureau. This fun, free event was for insured and uninsured residents of Carteret County. Participants received free flu vaccines, A1C glucose tests, cholesterol screenings and breathing tests. Participants also received information about exercise and healthy lifestyle changes. Farm Bureau donated $5,000 to help us with our mission.
The NC Men’s Baptist Association Dental Bus was on site four days during the year. Over 120 patients were able to receive preventative care, extractions and fillings. Local dentists, hygienists and assistants worked the dental bus to deliver these services.
Patient surveys indicated 96% of patients felt better during the year because of treatment at the Clinic. Patients also reported a 96% decrease in work absenteeism. Other accomplishments include the marketing committee working with BellaGurl to design a new website and update our Facebook page.