The Greene Care Clinic has been serving the county's uninsured for more than six years. It's in need of more volunteers so it can help even more people.
Over the past few years, clinic directors say they've seen a major increase in the number of people who need their services. And even though times are tight, the clinic has no plans of shutting down.
This free clinic in Greene County is only open three days a week. But when it is open, it's busy.
Greene Care Clinic Executive Director Janet Call stated, "We've definitely seen a change in employment for patients who are coming here. We definitely have seen a loss of resources that patients have, so they are almost required to come to a free clinic."
In the past year, the clinic has seen close to 900 visits. And directors don't expect that number to go down anytime soon.
"It's just hard times. The need is a big one," said Clinical Social Worker Francesca LoMonaco.
Call said, "We've seen people stretching out their medications. They're going without medications because they can't buy them anymore."
The clinic provides free care to uninsured families in Greene County. It relies on grant money - and donations - to stay up and running. But these day, the clinic's biggest need is for more volunteers.
"I could open up more hours here at the clinic if I had more providers. It's all dependent upon that," said Call.
Right now, the clinic is looking for nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. And long-time volunteers say helping at the clinic can be a very rewarding experience.
LoMonaco stated, "This is one of the most wonderful places to work, because everyone who walks in this door is so appreciative of the services that are offered. You feel very appreciated just being here."
The clinic is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Directors are holding a countywide fundraiser on November 19 to help raise money for its services.
