A Message from Todd Gathje, Ph.D., Board President
The Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics has maintained a strong commitment to serving the uninsured residents of Hanover by providing much needed free medical, dental and eye care to qualified patients. We are a unique free clinic in that we are strictly an all-volunteer organization. No salaries or compensation. All funds go towards serving the patients. The HIFC is grateful for all the time, care, and dedication that physicians, dentists, nurses, and other medical practitioners, selflessly devote to providing this important community service. The heart of HIFC is to provide medical and dental care to as many uninsured patients as possible. We hope that you will partner with us in carrying out this mission. Help us to bring hope and healing to our Hanover neighbors.
A Message from Susan Hubbard, Executive Director
In July 2006, "St. James the Less Free Clinic" was established by volunteers in the church basement, with a mission to offer a faith-based healing ministry to Hanover County residents. Money donated to the clinic would be dedicated exclusively for patient care and necessary supplies. Each week the waiting room crowd, the waiting lists, and the need for additional services grew. In response, four other churches throughout the county joined in the mission, establishing facilities and opening their doors to provide eye, mental health, and additional dental and medical care. All five clinics now serve under the name, "Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics" and share a common goal and mission. The clinics are located at multiple churches in multiple locations so that no donated money goes toward rent or mortgage payments. The clinics serve as places of volunteer missions and provide a unique outreach for many community groups and individuals to contribute toward the well-being of others. Volunteers range in age from fourteen to beyond eighty years of age. Founded and perpetuated by a spirit of volunteerism and community, the clinic is made up of dedicated volunteers, all of whom, administrators, clerks, and health care providers, donate their time. No one is compensated for service. Depending on volunteers, community resources and donations, the clinics have been able to extend medical services to include women's wellness, and pain management clinics, group diabetes counseling, and nutrition and health care education. With dedicated dental resources, we are able to restore missing teeth by making dentures for patients, many of whom have been without teeth for a long time. Our denture patients "graduate" with a renewed smile and confidence toward restoration of many other aspects of their lives. The clinics have been rewarding for all who have given and for all who have received.