Today’s Hours:
8AM – 5PM
865-774-7684
Menu
Today’s Hours:
8AM – 5PM
865-774-7684
Co-Founder
Co-Founder
Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic was founded with a mission to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for the uninsured residents of Sevier County, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Our dedicated providers offer comprehensive services, including primary medical care, dental care, and behavioral health care, to those in need. We also offer a vital medication assistance program, ensuring affordable access to medications for chronic conditions. Services are provided on a sliding fee scale based on the Federal Poverty Level, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve.
In early 1999, retired pediatrician Dr. Alyene Reese and her best friend, retired social worker Sue Ellen Riddle, borrowed five rooms in a local church youth building, assembled an all-volunteer staff, and founded Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic. Over the past 24 years, the clinic has served more than 33,000 patients and now operates in a modern facility in the heart of Sevierville, on land leased from the Sevier County School System for just $1.00 per year. The building was constructed by an anonymous benefactor, who rallied support from various vendors. Many local civic organizations, churches, and individuals have also generously contributed funds and services for expansion and updates.
Dr. Reese’s vision for affordable healthcare for Sevier County citizens was right on target. Since tourism is a driving force of the Sevier County economy, many citizens work in seasonal, service industry jobs which do not provide health insurance benefits. The number of people in need of our services grows each year and with the continuing rise in the cost of health insurance, more people join the ranks of the uninsured.
Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic operates with both employed staff and a dedicated group of volunteers. Our primary care team includes Nurse Practitioners, Physician Assistants, Registered Nurses, Certified Medical Assistants, and a Medical Interpreter.
Our Medical Director, Dr. Richard Dew, has been a committed volunteer since 2003. Embedded within our primary care team are Licensed Clinical Social Workers and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
Our dental team consists of Dr. Jeff Collart, a dental assistant, and a dental hygienist. Supporting patient services are our Director of Operations, Medication Assistance Coordinator, Medical Receptionists, Referral Coordinator, Community Health Workers, and Director of Community Services and Quality. Additional administrative staff includes our Executive Director and Marketing and Resource Development Coordinator.
A dedicated group of nursing and support staff volunteers generously contributes their time and skills to serve patients at the clinic. Several provider volunteers, including Dr. Robert Valosik and Richard Henighan, FNP, have been with us for many years. Our Board of Directors comprises a committed group of volunteers providing governance and vision as we fulfill the mission of Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic.
The clinic’s warm and caring environment is made possible by the many individuals and organizations in Sevier County who support us. Businesses, local governments, civic groups, churches, and community members take ownership by contributing funds, supplies, sponsoring fundraising events, and spreading the word about our work.
Medical and nursing students from different universities rotate through the Clinic. These students come from East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, Carson-Newman University, Walter State Community College, and Lincoln Memorial University. The partnership with East Tennessee State University gives medical, nursing, social work, and public health students educational opportunities in rural community environments.
ETSU Quillen College of Medicine Residents rotation throughout the year are a made available for those seeking a rural outpatient experience. This has resulted in Physicians making future decisions to work as primary care providers in rural communities.
ETSU Students are pictured above. The left was from the Health Fair June 2021 and the right is from a day that they were in the Clinic to help with calling patients for their Covid testing result.
Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc. is a non-profit community healthcare facility. The Clinic depends on funding from many areas, including patient fees needed to operate the Clinic.
The Sevier County government and the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville have made contractual agreements with the Clinic to provide annual monies for operational support in return for providing healthcare services for their residents. The Sevier County School Board gives the Clinic funds on an annual basis to support services for school aged children.
Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic values partnerships with other community service organizations focused on the health and well-being of those working and living in Sevier County. Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic is a community partner with the United Way of Sevier County. The local religious community and civic organizations have embraced the Clinic’s efforts. Several churches and Sunday school classes provide frequent and consistent donations towards operational expenses. Individuals also support the Clinic with their generosity shown as in-kind services, volunteering, or donating money.
The Resource Development Committee holds annual special events, and the clinic leadership pursues grant opportunities, direct mail solicitations, planned giving, and endowments. Annual audits are performed each year by an independent accounting firm.
312 Price Street
Sevierville, TN 37862
416 Ski Mountain Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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