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Clinic Now Has Human Resources Manager

scott williamsScott Williams has been hard at work since January this year as Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic’s first human resources manager.

“I handle legal compliance and payroll” among other duties, he said. The Clinic has 20 paid employees. His part-time job also includes coordinating activities of the Clinic’s 30 volunteers.

He has a Master’s degree in organizational management and also in human resources development, both from Tusculum College.

He grew up in Gatlinburg and attended Gatlinburg-Pittman High School before spending five years in the U.S. Army. He was a forward observer for the 101st Airborne Division. Later, for 15 years he worked as a licensed paramedic in various agencies in East Tennessee, serving as a firefighter and SWAT deputy.

Scott is married to Yanci Williams, counselor at Caton’s Chapel School. The couple are in the process of adopting two boys, ages 8 and 13. They live in Sevierville.

“I love SCUBA diving,” he said, though his opportunities for doing it are limited. He enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and target shooting.

As for his new job, “I love it,” he said. “It has its challenges,” for example researching labor law on the computer, but he enjoys research and interacting with other Clinic employees.

Ober Gatlinburg Fundraiser for Mountain Hope

Sevier, Cocke, Jefferson County Days at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg Sevier County DaysGatlinburg, TN – Ober Gatlinburg will offer Sevier, Cocke and Jefferson County Days from Saturday, June 4th through Friday, June 10th with 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic.

A $3 donation (per person) can be exchanged for an Attraction Wristband that includes Ober Gatlinburg’s Aerial Tram, Alpine Slide, Ice Rink, Wildlife Encounter, Scenic Chairlift, Water Raft Rides, Carousel, Amaze’n Maze, Mini-Golf and Chair Swing!

Qualifying Sevier, Cocke or Jefferson County residents or Sevier County Employees, may bring one guest or their spouse & dependent children. Eligible participants must be over the age of 16, possess a valid Sevier, Cocke, or Jefferson County ID or recent pay stub from a Sevier County business and valid ID. For more information call 865-436-5423.

The Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic is located in Downtown Sevierville and us the only health care ministry in Sevier County that exclusively treats the medically uninsured.  Since the population of Sevier County is largely based on tourism and many jobs are seasonal in nature many citizens are without medical insurance. Mountain Hope was founded to provide a medical home to those in need of care. The clinic provides primary medical care, limited dental care, and helps patients apply for pharmaceutical assistance. They also make referrals to outside medical specialists for conditions that cannot be treated on site.

 

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Nascar Speedpark to Round Up for Mountain Hope

IntimidatorTN_new_fullNascar Speedpark will again offer its visitors the option to “Round up for Mountain Hope” during the month of June, 2016.  Last year’s rounding up event at Nascar Speedpark’s Sevierville attraction was a rousing success and raised $2,696.20 for Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic.  Proceeds from the customers who choose to round up the cost of their admission prices to the next nearest dollar amount will again benefit those who live or work in Sevier County and depend on Mountain Hope Clinic for their medical and dental care.

With more than 21,000 patients of record, Mountain Hope Clinic serves the uninsured of Sevier County and must make up a deficit of approximately $65.00 per patient visit.  “Fundraisers like this one go a long way in providing medical and dental services for our patients,” said Mary Vance, Mountain Hope’s Executive Director, “We are grateful for Nascar Speedpark and all they do for our friends and neighbors, and–of course–we hope everyone visiting Nascar Speedpark during the month of June will support our ongoing work in Sevier County.”

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Gatlinburg Sky Lift Local Days

hat couple on lift (2)Gatlinburg Sky Lift is excited to welcome our local friends for Sevier, Cocke, and Jefferson County Days!  Chairlift rides are just $5 any day or night between Saturday, June 4 and Friday, June 10, 2016 for eligible residents.

Experience a relaxing ride to the top of Crockett Mountain where you’ll find the area’s best view of the Smokies!  Lounge in the sun or the shade up top, then hop on for an entirely different view while riding back down.  PLUS, the Sky Lift is donating $2 to Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic in Sevierville for each eligible resident who rides during this special week.

Sevier, Cocke and Jefferson County residents with valid ID and proof of residence are eligible for the offer of $5 rides.  All riders ages 16+ must present a state/federal issued photo ID and proof of residence.  Riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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Treating allergies needn’t be expensive

Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic Allergy StoryYou sneeze. You wheeze. You cough and sniffle. You’re allergic to pollen and you fear you’re in for a summer of misery.

Not necessarily. There are proven ways of treating allergy symptoms – and they don’t have to be expensive.

Dr. Richard Dew, Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic’s medical director, recommends steroid nasal sprays. “These are probably the most effective things for seasonal allergies,” he says.

One piece of good news is that some steroid nasal sprays are now available as generics, which means they are not as costly as name brands. One such generic, Nasacort, is available over the counter without a prescription.

Dr. Dew also recommends Clariten, Allegra and Zyrtec, which do not cause drowsiness or high blood pressure and have minimal side effects.

He cautions that steroid nasal sprays should be used regulary throughout the allergy season. They don’t grant immediate relief but take a day or two to kick in. Most people suffer from allergies in the spring and again in the fall. Start the nasal spray regime when congestion begins around April and continue it through June, when you should gradually taper off its use. The same thing can be done in the fall season, usually from late August or early September through to the first frost.

However, Dr. Dew warns patients not to use decongestant nasal sprays, because if you become sensitized to them you will need to use them all the time. Also, “A lot of people use Benadryl for allergies,” he says. “It’s not that effective, and it makes you drowsy.”