The Hannibal Free Clinic, a non-profit volunteer clinic serving northeast Missouri, hosted a special luncheon today to highlight the accomplishments of its volunteers and donors in 2009.
“It’s been another amazing year. Nearly a million dollars in charitable care has been rendered to free clinic patients during this past year as a result of the dedication and tireless energy of many volunteers, agencies and supporters,” remarked Julie Leverenz, 2009 chair of the board for the Hannibal Free Clinic and Vice President – Strategy & Planning for Hannibal Regional Healthcare System. “This has been an amazing journey. It has been such a privilege to be involved with this mission. Since opening in 2007, volunteers at the clinic have provided direct medical services to nearly 500 individuals who are uninsured and living in poverty in our area. Because of leadership and compassion in this community, the Free Clinic has brought hope and healing to many for who hope had previously been only a memory.
During the luncheon, Dr. EW Harder was recognized with the Free Clinic’s Caring Heart Award for his leadership and service in introducing dental services in 2009. According to Leverenz, since Dr. Harder initiated this service there are already 77 people who are smiling a little brighter in the Hannibal region. The Hannibal Dental Group was also recognized for its corporate support in making this new dental service a reality.
Heart Beat awards for special volunteer service to the free clinic were given to Mary Grossmeier, the clinic’s volunteer coordinator; and Marty Fredd, RN, and Barb Norfolk – both highly dedicated volunteers.
A special video presentation prepared by board member Melissa Shriver-Hackamack featuring a patient of the Clinic captured the caring spirit that is alive and well in this mission. A Stewardship Report given by Clinic Coordinator, Sharon Webster, RN, Louis Riggs – incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, and Steve Keppner, Treasurer, highlighted activities of the clinic during the past year. Volunteer physicians and nurses at HFC donated conservatively $123,005.17 in services to HFC patients in 2009. Total professional service in-kind contributions (rent, phone, x-ray, lab, etc) totaled $766,341. Nearly $500,000 of the professional service contributions were given by Hannibal Regional Hospital. In addition to direct services, many Free Clinic patients require assistance with their medications. In 2009, $499,670 in medications was secured for Free Clinic patients through national patient assistance programs. In addition, charitable cash contributions to HFC offset $11,720 in medications for patients which were purchased locally. Since introducing dental services in mid-2009, 77 patients have been provided with 149 dentistry services, 125 of which were tooth extractions.
Since opening on May 30, 2007, HFC has served 458 adults who are uninsured and living in poverty with 2,029 total patient visits. For more information about the Hannibal Free Clinic, please visit Hannibalfreeclinic.org or call 573-248-8307.