Many of the 161 people who received thorough health check-ups last week at Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic had lost homes and jobs in the November wildfires.
Clinic staff members are doing everything they can to help fire victims with no health insurance get back on an even keel, providing free medical care and free medications whenever possible. In the meantime, we at the Clinic have maintained our routine of serving the 22,000 people on our active roll whenever the need arises.
The physical exams offered at the health fair Jan. 11 and 12 continue the twice-yearly routine that allows Sevier County’s uninsured to ensure they are in good shape, to discuss health issues and receive advice and practical solutions to problems free of charge.
Many of the 161 patients were new to the Clinic. They are now established patients who can make appointments to see our professional staff whenever the need arises.
Running a health fair for 161 patients takes cooperation and hard work from a variety of people. Mountain Hope operates its fair in partnership with students, preceptors and the staff of the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University. Students conduct examinations under the eye of their preceptors. Our thanks go to all the ETSU staff, students and preceptors who took part.
The Sevier County Health Department offered health education and immunizations, an invaluable service. Clinic volunteers conducted health screenings of various types and helped in other ways. Volunteers included Jennifer Baker, Karen Brackins, Jackie Burk, Connie Carden, Anna Garber, Nancy Hodges, Gintare Litton, Barbara McGill, Sandy Moersdorf, Carol Pierce-Burr, Michelle Reynoso, and David Wilson.
Cici’s Pizza provided lunch on both days for staff, volunteers, and patients. Golden Corral of Sevierville furnished dessert. Thanks to Melanie Benson of Cici’s and Amanda Barnes of Golden Corral for organizing these generous donations. Oak Tree Lodge generously provided overnight lodging for the ETSU contingent.
Dental hygiene kits from Delta Dental’s Smile 180 Program were also given to those who attended the event. We remain grateful for Smile 180’s commitment to dental health in Sevier County.
Our thanks go to everyone who donated time, effort, and goods to make this another highly successful health fair. We are a non-profit dedicated to providing quality medical and dental care to Sevier County residents and employees with no health insurance. We depend on the goodwill and cooperation of the whole community to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, top-notch primary health care.
Sincerely,
Ashley Burnette, Director of Development