Newsletter from Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center

HEALTH NET

Spring 2010

Volume 2 - Issue 2

From the Editor

It takes a lot of individuals to keep Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center open and running smoothly. Our featured volunteer in this issue is not a doctor or dentist, but someone who equally serves our patients as a Radiologic Technologist. Albert Gray has been taking dental x-rays at the Free Health Center for more than thirteen years! In addition, he steps forward and accomplishes whatever else is needed. His longtime contribution is much appreciated.

Our Board of Directors also plays a vital role in our ability to successfully grow and continue to fill the ever-increasing need for free medical and dental care. While introducing you to our newest board members, I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to those leaving the Board.

Anthony J. Murphy - Outgoing President - served since 2004

Kerry Holloway - served since 2006

Karolyn McMillan Farrell - served since 2004

Dr. Roger Montgomery - served since 2006 - Dr. Montgomery continues with us as a volunteer physician and as Medical Director.

We couldn't have achieved so much over the past years without you. Many thanks!

Monika Fischer-Massie

Executive Director

mfischerm@arkansasusa.com

Leaving the Board...departing Board members share their experiences of serving

"My experience was outstanding. It gave me a unique opportunity to be involved with one of the THE best organizations in all of Northwest Arkansas. The Free Health Center provides an invaluable service that benefits all of us, and uniquely serves our neighbors who have nowhere else to turn. It was an honor and privilege to see the expansion of services and hours during my time on the Board. I wish all the best in the future."

- Kerry Holloway

"I enjoyed and appreciated my time serving on the Board of the Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center, including my role as President of the Board. It was wonderful to be able to help, and to watch the Center grow over the years as it strives to meet the increasing need for our services."

- Anthony J. Murphy

"It has been a pleasurable and uplifting experience to join some of those early pioneers who shared a vision to provide health services to folks who could not afford private healthcare. Some of those folks were Mrs. Elizabeth Reagan, Dr. Mae Nettleship, and Ernestine Gibson. Volunteers were, and many still are, giving their services and talent, Dr. Roger Montgomery, Dr. J.B. Hays, Kenton Ross, event co-chairs, Ramona and Stan Heath, and others.

It is my belief that serving and volunteering on this Board helps impact, in some small way, the lives of many folks. We stepped out in faith that we could expand the program eight years ago, then again five years ago. It happened. More services will continue to be needed in 2010, and in the future.

Thanks to Monika, John, and others who do the daily work, the vision has been implemented. My hope and prayer is that the Free Health Center continues to expand and serve those who need it, so the community will be a better place in which to live and work."

- Karolyn McMillan Farrell

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.

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

A United Way member

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!

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

479.444.6033 or jmoores@arkansasusa.com

Meet!

Our Newest Board Members

"The Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center saves lives and changes lives. Most of us do not have to choose between seeing a doctor and buying groceries. Our staff and volunteer medical professionals are dedicated individuals who give of their time and Clark, Madigan, Chadick

their talent to help those most in need. I am proud to be a part of this organization."

- Suzanne Clark

"I am privileged to be a part of the Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center. I am committed to do my small part for the staff and all of the tremendous volunteers who offer first-class care to so many people in need in our community."

- Tim Madigan

"As a medical social worker at Washington Regional for many years, I became aware of how difficult it is for those with limited resources to receive on-going medical care. I was ever so grateful when the Free Health Center began providing services...and, over the years, I have referred many people to the Center for assistance. As I serve on the Board, I will work to do what I can to be certain that these services continue in our commmunity."

- Susan Chadick

"As a member of the Board of Directors for the Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center, I am impressed with the spirit of volunteerism in our community to deliver healthcare to those in need. Likewise, the support from grants and gifts demonstrates the value that many people place on having medical and dental care available for those without health insurance, or the means to pay. The Free Health Center holds itself to very high standards in the delivery of greatly needed healthcare. It is an honor to serve on the Board of Directors and to be a part of the momentum to find meaningful ways to deliver this care."

- Mary Alice Serafini

"I was impressed with the compassion of the staff, volunteers, and Board members for the patients and their families that turn to the Free Health Center for help. The Center welcomes them all, regardless of the circumstances, providing quality and compassionate care."

- Lou Sharp

"Being a Board member of the Free Health Center provides me the honor of sharing the knowledge I have acquired as a healthcare professional in Northwest Arkansas. It is a joy to see how many people we are serving in our community"

- Gen Broyles

Photographs courtesy of individual Board members. Photograph of Gen Broyles not available.

In Her Own Words - A Patient's Story

"As a 52-year-old grandmother, living on a homestead these past ten years, I have depended on the Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center for my healthcare. My husband and I have been careful to live within our means, but even with all of our efforts, the cost of having health insurance has always been out of reach.

I must take thyroid medication every day and have blood work done every six months to be sure the dosage is correct. For all these years, everyone on the staff has been patient, friendly, efficient, and attentive. I especially look forward to seeing and talking with Jenann. She has been especially warm and friendly, and I thank her for always making me feel special when I come to pick up my medication.

Thank you again for being there for me!"

Featured Volunteer
Albert Gray

"My name is Albert Gray, and I volunteer in the dental clinic section of the Free Health Center. I began my volunteer time, as best I can remember, in the summer of 1996. It was then, during an interview process with prospective students at Washington Regional Medical Center (where I was employed), that an interviewee mentioned that she was volunteering at the Free Health Center. Sounded good to me! So, I signed up.

Albert Gray I began in the medical section--pulling charts for the people who came in for services. As I was working full time during the day, my volunteer time was at night. In less than a year, the person taking the dental x-rays left the Center and I, as a registered Radiologic Technologist, filled the opening. I've been doing the dental x-rays for 13 years, or so.

Lots has happened during those years. Paid staff and volunteers have come and gone. But, the primary reason for our services remains the same--people need free medical and/or dental care.

I am grateful that I can volunteer my services. It is a God given blessing that I am able to be of some service to the Free Health Center and to people in the community. I hope the Center continues to serve people in need of free medical and dental care for as long as there is a need."

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, more volunteers are needed. If you can help, please contact John Moores.

Coming Soon!

Last year's FirstServe Tennis Tournament was a success, and we are hoping for an even bigger and better event this June. This tournament to benefit the Free Health Center will again be held at Summerhill Racquet Club, June 18th through 20th.

Did you know that $10,000 will pay for the care of 364 patients? $250 will cover the cost of electricity for the Free Health Center for ten days and $100 will provide medication for 50 patients. As an organization funded by donations and this year, for the first time, by proceeds from the State of Arkansas Tobacco Excise Tax Act, every bit of support is important. Everyone who steps forward as a sponsor is helping those in need of free medical and dental care in Northwest Arkansas.

Right now, we are seeking sponsorships from individuals and businesses. Regardless of how much you are able to contribute, we welcome your support of this event. For information regarding sponsor levels and the benefits you will receive, please contact John Moores at 479.444.6033 or jmoores@arkansasusa.com. You may make your contribution at our website, using PayPal. Please also contact John and let him know that your contribution is a Tennis Tournament sponsorship.

Of course, FirstServe Tennis Tournament also needs tennis players! An entry form is available at www.nwafreehealthcenter.org. For additional participant information, please contact Bill Maxwell of Summerhill Raquet Club at bmaxwell10s@gmail.com or call 479.422.6050.

Thank you!

If your online contribution is in support of FirstServe 2010, please also contact John Moores and let him know that it is a Tennis Tournament sponsorship.