Priscilla Richardson

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Two years ago, I tried to help a fortysomething woman without medical insurance find a doctor she could see. We bumped into several dead-ends, but then finally were able to persuade my husband's physician to see her.

Today, it would all be so different. I would just tell her about the Christian Free Clinic in Botetourt. She would simply show up to register any Tuesday, between 5:30 and 6:10 p.m. at the Fincastle Baptist Church. She would merely have to explain that she had no insurance and that she was living below twice the poverty line. She then would have seen a competent and caring doctor that evening. And if she had needed a prescription, she would have gotten it filled right there, at no charge.

Medical care is now available for the uninsured ages 18 to 64 in our county. All children and retired people have insurance through various government programs, but those in-between without coverage have before now mostly had to do without -- or wait until their problems got so bad they ended up in an emergency room, but without follow-up care.

The idea for the clinic started when Fincastle's Margaret Anne Allen, a registered nurse, and Susanne Voekler, a physician with the Bonsack Lewis-Gale office, got to talking about the need.

Voekler had worked in other free clinics during her training, so she knew the need had to exist here.

So Allen, Voekler and Allen's husband, Bob Allen, a partially retired pediatrician, started working to set up a free clinic here. They found space at the Fincastle Baptist Church, located at 7330 Roanoke Road, on U.S. 220 south of Fincastle. The clinic has to share its space, however. Volunteers clear away Sunday School rooms each Tuesday afternoon, set up the clinic area and rearrange things when they're done.

But their very first night in January proved the need. They now average 12 to 16 patients a night, with 28 one frantic night. These folks come from all around the county, too: Troutville, Buchanan, Eagle Rock, Daleville, Fincastle and in-between. Who keeps track? Buchanan's Linda Cronise, a volunteer, takes care of record keeping and all other administration matters.

But if you've ever been to see any doctor at all, you know that your medical care often does not end with that visit. You may need X-rays, scans, medicines: the list goes on and on. From the start, Bob Allen was able to get radiology services donated by Lewis-Gale Medical Center. "I asked how we were going to get the tests read," he said. "They asked me how much we would get paid for seeing the patients. I said, 'nothing.' So they said they'd read the tests for us for nothing."

To fill prescriptions and deal with the seemingly endless paperwork to get free drugs from manufacturers, the Lucases of Down Home Pharmacy stepped in. Allen explained that many of the clinic's patients have chronic conditions that require daily medicine.

As the two Allens, Voekler and Cronise have gone around the county, meeting with any group that wants them, they've discovered other sources of free help. One example: Buchanan's Johnny Carson was able to get some diagnostic equipment donated by the Buchanan Rescue Squad. After hearing the clinic's details, churches and civic groups often make monetary donations, and frequently offer volunteer help, maybe for courier service or cleanup.

I caught up with the clinic's promotion team at a joint meeting of our county's four Lions Clubs. Bob Allen asked for an RV someone no longer needed so they could set up their dental clinic in it. And in return the Lions told him about their ongoing work in getting glasses and eye care, including operations, for the needy.

How well I remember the desperation of that woman trying to find medical care. This clinic is filling a genuine need, and all of us with insurance need to support it.

To donate services or in-kind gifts such as medical supplies, an RV or a clinic building, call (540) 353-0509.Or mail your donation via check to The Christian Free Clinic in Botetourt Inc., P.O. Box 890, Daleville VA 24083. For more information, go to christianfreeclinic.com.