RINCON, Ga. (WTOC) – A free health clinic in Effingham County is looking for volunteers to help care for those in need.
Two Rivers Health Clinic in Rincon serves uninsured people ages 18 to 64 who make up to 200% of the federal poverty level. The clinic is run primarily by volunteers.
The organization was founded in 2015 and was initially run by volunteers, and Amber Fordham, the clinic's executive director, said Two Rivers continues to be volunteer-led and they need more help.
“Over the last year or so, we've expanded our services significantly, so with that expansion comes a need for additional volunteers, especially nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians,” said Amber Fordham, executive director of Two Rivers Health Clinic. “Without nurses and healthcare workers, we can't do what we do, so we always have a strong need for those types of volunteers.”
Fordham said the clinic saw 29 new patients in 2023. They've already seen roughly the same number of patients so far this year, and the number of people they see could double by the end of 2024. Fordham said he's happy to continue serving those in need as long as they have the staff to support their work.
About 11% of people under 65 in Effingham County lack health insurance, according to U.S. Census data.
All services within the clinic are free, including testing, EKGs, nutritionist services, educational materials, and more. The clinic has also partnered with about 20 organizations that help provide patient care, including vision screenings, dental and telehealth services. Fordham University says it will partner with vaccination organizations in October to offer people the opportunity to get vaccinated against COVID-19 for free.
“They also do STI education and other educational activities, but they're basically providing that service free of charge to anyone who doesn't have insurance that covers that vaccine,” Fordham said, “so that people can come to the clinic and get vaccinated.”
Not only are their services completely free, but they are provided by volunteers – the clinic is always in need of nurses and doctors, and without them this work wouldn't be possible.
Fordham said primary care providers interested in volunteering at the clinic can call or email for more information; contact details are listed on the website.
She also says interested patients should call the clinic to schedule a pre-screening and admission appointment.
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