People’s Health and Wellness Clinic (PHWC) will celebrate its 25th anniversary on November 16th at the Old Labor Hall in Barre, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. The event is set to honor a robust volunteer roster, generous community donors and an unwavering vision of accessible health and wellness services. Attendees are welcome to light refreshments while enjoying a performance by the Vermont Fiddle Orchestra.
Founders of PHWC set out to bridge the gap for Vermonters struggling in navigating their health needs. They adopted the free-clinic model, seeking to provide services for the uninsured and underinsured with a very small staff and a wide-ranging group of professional and administrative volunteers. Since seeing its first patient in 1994, PHWC has led the region’s charge in reducing barriers to healthcare, strengthening community wellness, and advocating for healthcare reform.
“We are excited to honor this monumental occasion,” said Rebecca Goldfinger-Fein, PHWC’s Executive Director. “Since the beginning, the clinic has represented how special our community is. It is because of the support of hundreds of local volunteers and thousands of individual and organization donors that we are able to continue to meet the needs of our uninsured and underinsured neighbors.”
In 2018, over 60 volunteer medical providers, mental health counselors, bodywork practitioners, and receptionists donated services valued over $95,000. These services offset costs that would otherwise burden local hospitals, pharmacies, and insurers. Last year, the clinic saw patients from 44 Vermont towns amounting to 2,374 patient interactions; 1,190 medical visits; completed 212 dental hygiene visits; and enrolled 105 patients in insurance/other assistance programs.
Join People’s Health & Wellness Clinic’s volunteers, board, staff, and supporters to celebrate this monumental anniversary! Suggested donation of $25 for 25 years of free healthcare for uninsured and underinsured Vermonters. For more information about attending, or to see if you qualify for healthcare services, visit www.phwcvt.org or call to make an appointment at (802) 479-1229. Clinic hours are by appointment only.