Janice

New Horizons Class find new ways to help during COVID-19 Crisis

It has become a tradition for the New Horizons Discussion Class from First Baptist Church of Sevierville to visit Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic on occasion to bless patients by paying the nominal fee often regularly charged for their visits. In addition, the Class provides lunch for the staff and offers a gift bag containing toiletries, candy, and a Gideon New Testament among other items to patients who’d like to take one home.

This year, the project looked a little different, largely due to the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 Crisis. In addition to the lunch for staff, gift bags were given to the Clinic to distribute and fees were paid in advance to Mountain Hope to make the process as efficient and touch-free as possible.  Patients were informed at the time of service that their fees had been covered.

Janice Bettis represented the Class on Tuesday as they sought to bless members of the Sevier County community, “The class was scheduled to be at the clinic on April 7th and when the ‘stay at home’ order came into effect; we quickly realized that we would not be able to do this.  Class members receive such a blessing from being able to give the money and gift bags to the patients as they check out.  We are aware that the people we have been able to serve at the Clinic are some of the hardest hit because businesses are closed and they have not been able to work and subsequently pay their bills.  We contacted Deb Murph to ask if we could bring the money and the items to the Clinic for her staff to distribute for us.  She graciously agreed.  We pray that this small gesture will be an encouragement and hope to these people.  Thank you Mountain Hope for allowing us to be a part of what you do,” she said.

Mountain Hope is grateful for the support of community members like these. If you would like more information on volunteering for or donating to Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, please contact Ashley Burnette at aburnette@mountainhope.org or via cell at 865.771.9114.

Jars-and-Jams-for-MHGSC

Ole Smoky’s Jars & Jams Virtual Concert for Mountain Hope

Ole Smoky Distillery continues a longstanding tradition of great live entertainment with this week’s Jars & Jams Virtual Concert Series event to benefit Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, a medical and dental clinic serving the uninsured. We invite you to join us for family-friendly rock-alternative bluegrass music with Monroeville from the comfort of your home. The concert will take place Friday, April 24 at 8:00 p.m. EST on the Ole Smoky Distillery Facebook page.

A Message from our Executive Director:

We wish to assure patients and our community that we continue to provide healthcare to the uninsured of Sevier County during the COVID-19 situation. We are following the guidance of the Tennessee Department of Health, CDC, and our local Sevier County Health Department to prevent and address COVID-19. We have made necessary changes to our normal operations to protect staff and patients. While our parking lot appears to have fewer cars and the doors are locked for patient safety, we are here. We now offer telehealth visit options to allow patients to follow the “Safer at Home” order. Our providers will provide your care over the phone or with a live video. If you have an upcoming appointment, our staff will call to discuss the best telehealth option for you. If the provider decides you have medical needs requiring you to be seen at the Clinic, please call from your car when you arrive for visit instructions. We have fewer staff at the Clinic and our call volume has increased so we ask for your patience when trying to reach us. 

We understand the challenges of affordable care for those who are suddenly without jobs and insurance; we are here for you. We are opening up appointment availability to ensure we care for the urgent needs of existing and new patients. The weeks ahead may continue to be stressful and you may find yourself in need of emotional support; please allow us to help. Our team of servant hearts welcome the opportunity to care for you. Our prayers are for healing and strength for endurance as we manage this challenge together. 

-Deborah Murph, Executive Director, Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic