History of the Free Clinic
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The Alleghany Highlands Free
Clinic is a nonprofit (501 c 3) organization, established in 1998 to
make health care accessible to low-income, uninsured residents of
the Alleghany Highlands. While the idea of opening a Free
Clinic had circulated in the community for some time, the
availability of
funding through the Alleghany Foundation helped
bring several community stakeholders together on January 21, 1998.n
January 21, 1998. This meeting resulted in
the establishment of a steering committee which would shortly become
the Board of
Directors
of the Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic.
Not the only community to open a Free Clinic to help meet the needs of the uninsured, the Board and staff were able to draw upon the experience of other communities with successful clinics. Perhaps the most well known of these is the Bradley Free Clinic of the Roanoke Valley, in operation for over 25 years and recognized by two US Presidents. The Virginia Association of Free Clinics, of which the Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic is an active member, also provided technical assistance and networking opportunities for the Board and staff. With this generous support, a grant from the Alleghany Foundation and support from local healthcare providers including Alleghany/Bath Medical Society, Community Alternatives for Positive Prevention, Alleghany Regional and Bath County Community Hospitals, Jackson Laboratories and Virginia Highlands Radiology the Free Clinic opened its doors to patients in October 1998. Since that time the Clinic has held two evening clinics a month. In 2000, partnering with the College of Health Sciences Physician Assistant Program, a monthly afternoon clinic was added. Now in its third year of operation the Alleghany Highlands Free Clinic also receives funding from the Virginia Association of Free Clinics and Trigon. Local businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals also form an important source of support. Community commitment in the form of financial support and donations of time and professional services have been the key to the Free Clinic's success.
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