Central Virginia Free Clinic: Providing Health Care in Difficult Economic Times

The free clinic is dedicated to the belief that everyone should have access to health care services. While there is an eligibility requirement, the clinic is unique in that it provides medical, dental, nursing, pharmaceutical and educational services to Lynchburg and the four surrounding counties. A dedicated staff along with a great number of volunteers, both medical professionals and individuals from the community make the clinic a success.

Recently, the clinic was able to arrange for 5 patients whose teeth had to be removed for medial reasons to obtain a complete set of dentures at no cost. While not a normally provided service, it is another example of the power of volunteer doctors who see a need and work hard to find a way to fill it. Every dollar raised from donations or fund raising efforts is multiplied many times thru the efforts of volunteers. Over 450 medical professionals donate services to the clinic, and since 1987 when it opened, the clinic has served more than 20,000 different individuals. The number of patient visits has increased by 50% compared to two years ago because of the economic slowdown.

The upcoming ( February 26th) sixth annual downtown loft tour is a great way to see the growth in downtown Lynchburg, visit the clinic for a tour and provide some financial support.

By Dave Gardner

Dave Gardner is a board member of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia. He is also the owner/photographer of D.R.Gardner Photography. He provides a complete photography services from weddings, events, commercial promotion, basic education. He has exhibited his photographs in Lynchburg and sell Fine Art photographs. More information can be found at www.drgardnerphotography.com

The All American Mutt Rescue

The All American Mutt Rescue, located in Huddleston, VA, rescues animals and gives these animals a new home. It was started by Cindy and Danny Torrence, who took care of cats and dogs they found that would have been to taken to the pound. Now, they rescue dogs here in Central Virginia. Some of the ways that they take care of these animals is by having them sprayed, neutered, and vaccinated. All American Mutt Rescue really cares about these animals and gets to know their wants and needs by working with them. They can tell whether the dog wants to be with another dog, or whether the dog likes to be playing with kids, or if they have other wants. They also help their future owners by teaching them how to care for these animals. Their motto is “Rescue… Rehome …Real love” and they really do live to this. They rescue these animals, take care of them, and get to know them, so that they can find these animals, the perfect home.

In order to adopt a pet, you can got to sites, such as petfinder.com, Adopt-a-pet.com, and other sites. Fill out the adoption application on their website page. The application will be reviewed and you will be notified. If you are adopting, you must be willing to keep the dog for 10-15 years.  Then, when you hear back, you can meet the dog at the scheduled time. Then, if the dog is going to be adopted, you must sign the contract and make the payment.

You can also help by donating today. This is a non-profit organization, so they really could use the help. You can donate money or donate objects such as, blankets, leashes, collars, toys, towels, or other such things.

Volunteers are also needed for an organization like this as well. If you can volunteer a lot of hours that’s great, but if you don’t have as much time, that’s okay, too. Your work would be greatly appreciated. These dogs need to be cleaned, taken care of, and fostered. They need to learn to be around people, and other basic things. They also need to be washed, brushed, and  they need to have their monthly vaccinations. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can email weluvpups@hotmail.com and ask for a volunteer application or a foster application, if you want to foster a dog for one or two months.

The strong should help out the weak. These animals need our help. Let’s reach out to the defenseless and help these animals in need. The All American Mutt Rescue is located at 5491 Johnson Mtn Rd Huddleston, VA 24104 and their phone number is (434) 841-0411. So, help out today!