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News & EventsStay up-to-date on information about news, special events, clinics, and programs. Download our most recent newsletter at the bottom of the page. Free Clinic of the New River Valley Receives Recognition for Over $2,400,000 in Free Prescription Medication Received August 9, 2010 On July 28, the Free Clinic of the New River Valley received a certificate in recognition of the $2,950,000 in free prescription medication the Clinic has applied for and received for its low-income, uninsured patients through participation with the statewide nonprofit Rx Partnership (RxP). RxP is a public/private partnership organization that provides access to free prescription medications for Virginia’s eligible uninsured through free clinic and community health center partners throughout the state. The Free Clinic began participating as an Affiliate in 2004 and has seen significant benefit for the organization’s patients since that time. “This past year, we provided over 17,000 prescriptions to our patients,” states Michelle Brauns, Executive Director. “This is several thousand more than last year. People are in great need and this program gives access to a variety of free prescription medications.” RxP relies on the support of the Virginia General Assembly, a variety of foundations and the participation of six pharmaceutical manufacturers: GlaxoSmithKline, Merck & Co., Novartis, Abbott, Alcon and sanofi-aventis U.S. Because of these partnerships, 114 medications treating chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol are available to Virginia’s eligible uninsured. “Rx Partnership is pleased to recognize the outstanding work of the Free Clinic of the New River Valley that has resulted in such a substantial and effective distribution of donated medication to patients in need,” said Amy Yarcich, RxP Executive Director. To learn more about Rx Partnership visit www.rxpartnership.org or call (804) 377-1057.
Maria Kington, CPhT, Free Clinic Pharmacy Coordinator, receives certificate from Amy Yarcich, Rx Partnership Executive Director (middle) along with Debbie Suddarth, Free Clinic Director of Programs (right). Free Clinic Receives Funding for Hygeine Program from Dental Benevolence Fund August, 2010 A second donation this year from the local Dental Benevolence Fund has helped the Free Clinic further expand its new hygiene program. The Dental Benevolence Fund contributed over $12,000 last year to hire a part-time hygienist in the Free Clinic’s Dental Program.
“This is the first time we’ve been able to officially hire someone for this role,” states Michelle Brauns, Executive Director. “Having a paid staff member provides a greater continuity of care that all patients truly need. We will also continue to rely on our community hygiene volunteers and students who are enrolled in local programs. They have given us countless hours of service over the years and will now be managed directly by our new hygienist.” Besides routine dental cleanings and x-rays, the staff hygienist will teach patients about proper dental hygiene and educating patients about cleaning techniques. Currently, all Free Clinic patients receive oral health education and dental student volunteers are required to conduct this education as a pre-requisite for their volunteer tenure at the Clinic. The staff hygienist will now oversee these students. With appropriate education, the Free Clinic hopes to improve the overall health of patients. Free Clinic of the New River Valley Announces Contribution From Montgomery Regional Hospital July 5, 2010
The Free Clinic of the New River Valley has received a donation of $82,500 from Montgomery Regional Hospital – HCA Virginia Health System. The donation will be used to help fund the Clinic’s Medical Program. Montgomery Regional Hospital (MRH) is also a partner with the Free Clinic through its internal medicine residency program. Through a weekly “Continuity Clinic,” volunteer residents see patients during three half-day appointment blocks providing greater access to care for chronically ill patients. “MRH has always been generous to the Free Clinic,” states Michelle Brauns, Executive Director of the FCNRV. “In this time of major national health care reform and the uncertainty of future resources that comes along with it, we are so grateful for this local unwavering commitment which allows us to provide the uninsured in our community with more hope than ever before.” Blacksburg Noon Rotary Provides Funds to the Free Clinic of the New River Valley March 31, 2010 On March 18, 2010, Paula Alston, chair of the Community Service Committee of the Blacksburg Noon Rotary Club presented a gift of $1,500 on behalf of the Club to Michelle Brauns, Executive Director of the Free Clinic of the New River Valley in support of their mission to provide healthcare to the underserved and uninsured in the area.
Paula Alston presents Michelle Brauns with $1,500 gift. The Blacksburg Rotary has assisted the Free Clinic in the past including matching grants from the Rotary District for the purchase of medical diagnostic equipment and records storage facilities. According to Brauns, the Clinic has seen a 22% increase in need for services over the past two years, and through contributions like this, hopes to have the opportunity to expand programs this year to meet the growing demand. Free Clinic of the New River Valley Receives Contribution From Delta Dental January 22, 2010 Delta Dental of Virginia has donated $5,000 to the Free Clinic of the New River Valley (FCNRV) to be used to help fund the Free Clinic dental program and provide dental services to the uninsured in the community. “Delta Dental has been a steadfast supporter of the Free Clinic’s dental program for several years and it is exactly this type of assistance that will allow us to continue serving adults in our community who have serious and untreated dental problems,” states Michelle Brauns, Executive Director of the FCNRV. The Free Clinic treated 779 dental patients in 2009 and those patients underwent 4,454 dental procedures. Typical procedures are x-rays, fillings, cleanings and tooth extractions and are provided both by a staff dentist and numerous local volunteer dentists and oral surgeons.
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