Update received from The Free Clinics Oct. 28:
To update our previous release, due to the potential area impact of storm Zeta, our ribbon cutting event originally scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed to Thursday 12 November at 4:30pm.
Press release from The Free Clinics:
The Free Clinics (TFC) will be hosting a ribbon cutting event at its new dedicated office in Polk County on Thursday, October 29, at 4:30pm. Located in Suite I at 60 Walker Street in Columbus, the organization officially moved into the space earlier this year on April 1st, but due to the pandemic was not able to welcome patients immediately. With restrictions gradually easing, it has since been able to open its doors.
The Free Clinics has had a presence in Polk County since 2013, and has been accepting patients from Polk for even longer, but this is its first dedicated, non-shared space. While there are no providers at the site, eligible clients—Polk residents who have no insurance and with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level—are able to receive case management, specialty referrals, and prescription assistance from the local office. They are also eligible for all services available at the Henderson location.
“The Free Clinics is incredibly excited to welcome the community to our new Columbus office. We believe that this new TFC office will enable greater visibility of our services and ensure greater access to critical care for our Polk County neighbors in need,“ says TFC executive director Judith Long. “We invite you to visit us—to learn more about our services, refer your neighbors, volunteer to help us care for our neighbors in need.”
Polk Case Manager Jada Scruggs adds, “I am so excited about our new adventure in Polk County and all the people we can help. We can’t wait for you to meet us!”
The ribbon cutting gathering will take place outdoors in the parking lot, rain or shine. Individuals will be able to tour the office in small groups to comply with social distancing guidelines.
The new office is also in need of volunteers to help with greeting clients and answering the phone a few days each week. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm.
For more information about The Free Clinics’s services in Polk County, call the Polk office at 828-722-1200. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact Sarah Friedell, Community Relations Coordinator at volunteer@thefreeclinics.org.
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