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From the Editor
Welcome to our very first online newsletter!
We've been growing and changing and we wanted to share our progress with you. We hope to be in touch, at least, on a quarterly basis. You'll also receive word on occasion regarding a special event, or news that just can't wait until the next newsletter.
It is because of our supporters, volunteers, and all others who assist us that we have been able to greatly increase our level of service to patients and the community. In each newsletter, we plan to introduce you to one of our valuable volunteers. Without them, we quite frankly wouldn't exist.
Thank you for your continued interest in Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center!
Monika Fischer-Massie
Executive Director
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If you received this message directly from Northwest Arkansas Free Health
Center, you are already on our mailing list and will continue to receive our news. You may Unsubscribe at the bottom of this message at any time.
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To learn more about Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center's services and meet our Board of Directors, please visit -www.nwafreehealthcenter.org
...providing no-cost health care to the uninsured, indigent, and working poor individuals of
Northwest Arkansas |
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WISH LIST
Our goal is to use our funds to increase the number of patients we can serve. Any contributions that help achieve this end are gratefully received. Thank you, in advance!
We can use:
Copy Paper
Paper Towels
Toilet Tissue
Liquid Soap
Lysol Spray
Monetary Donations
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Your suggestions and support are always appreciated. If you can fulfill something on our Wish List, volunteer, or would like to offer a comment about our newsletter, please contact:
John Moores
Director of Development
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Second Walker Foundation
Challenge Grant Received!
We are pleased to announce that the Willard & Pat Walker Foundation has awarded the Free Health Center a $50,000 Challenge Grant, for a second year. Each dollar that is donated to the Health Center between April 15, 2009 and January 31, 2010 will be matched by the Walker Foundation up to this amount.
This grant will move the Free Health Center toward its goal of being open five days per week. The current four day schedule does not meet the ever-growing need of Northwest Arkansas' residents for health care. Although the Center has increased the number of patients served each year, the number of individuals without health insurance coverage continues to grow. In the current slow economy, companies are downsizing and laying off employees causing many to lose their benefits.
The Center's long term goal is to assure continuity of care by being open 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year. To achieve this goal, an additional medical provider and support staff will need to be hired. The Walker family, with their history of commitment to the health and wellness of the residents of Northwest Arkansas, is assisting us in moving forward to serve more individuals with no other place to turn for health care.
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A Fresh Start...
Dan (name changed to protect patient privacy), at age 50, came to the Free Health Center suffering from severe diabetes, out-of-control blood sugar, and morbid obesity. He worked in a sedentary, low-paying job without means to afford treatment. The Center provided several diagnostic tests and medication. Under the care of one of our volunteer doctors, Dan lost 85 pounds! And, his blood sugar came under control.
A healthier Dan started his own business and increased his income. Although no longer meeting the Center's income guidelines, he still sees the volunteer doctor--at the doctor's regular, non-volunteer practice--as a paying patient.
Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center is delighted to have contributed to Dan's return to better health, and to positive changes in his life. It's the result we wish for all of our patients.
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FirstServe Tennis Benefit
a Huge Success
In spite of the hot summer temperatures, approximately 70 individuals participated in this year's tennis tournament held from June 19th through 21st, at Summerhill Racquet Club in Fayetteville.
Our thanks to the players and, of course, to our sponsors. Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center operates solely on donations. Your support makes it possible for us to continue to serve those in need.
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Featured Volunteer
A ready smile, and colorful shirt, contribute to the comfort of Dr. J.B. Hays' patients. For 40 years, this skilled surgeon has maintained a private practice, Northwest Arkansas Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, on Green Acres Road in Fayetteville.
 Approximately 20 years ago, Dr. Hays saw the great need to extend treatment to those unable to afford dental care. He joined with Dr. Roberts of the Veterans Administration to add this service to the medical care already offered by the Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center. Dr. Hays contributed instruments and helped recruit other volunteers to staff the dental program at the Center.
Dr. Hays has many stories to tell. He recalls treating people whose lack of prior dental care left them with multiple abscesses; individuals with just roots remaining where healthy teeth should be. "I feel fortunate," he commented, "to be able to afford personal dental care, and fortunate to have the skills to help others whose resources are limited."
Knowing that the need continues to grow, Dr. Hays is glad that the community, from individuals to major corporations, has stepped up to support the Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center. These days, he still performs dental extractions on a regular schedule as a volunteer at the Center. Sometimes in one evening two to three volunteer dentists will help from fifteen to twenty patients--Dr. Hays is more than willing to step in and assist when asked.
The Free Health Center operates using volunteer physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, technicians, and lay volunteers, coordinated by a small paid staff. As we move toward expanded hours/days, more volunteers are needed. If you can help, please contact John Moores.
Photograph of Dr. Hays courtesy of Marty Pierson |
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Copyright Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center . 2009 | |
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