BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. -- A free primary health care clinic is expanding its outreach in hopes of helping more people.
- New Hope Clinic is a non-profit organization on 201 West Boiling Spring Road
- It is a free health care clinic that is expanding its outreach
- The clinic is celebrating 20 years of service
New Hope Clinic, a non-profit organization on 201 West Boiling Spring Road, is celebrating 20 years of service this year, and they don't plan on stopping any time soon. The clinic provides health care services to county adults who have no other way of getting it.
"Growing up, kind of working on the water my whole life, commercial fishing and stuff, the few jobs I've had never provided health care," said David High, New Hope Clinic patient. "And, basically I only went to a doctor when I got injured, for years and years and years."
High and his wife have been coming to the clinic for almost 15 years, and he said it's a lifesaver.
"I get better health care by coming here," said High. "Otherwise, I would have no health care, and like I said, you don't go until it's absolutely the last resort. At that point, it may be a lot more serious."
The clinic covers the cost of medical, dental, vision and pharmaceutical services for their patients.
New Hope Clinic's executive director, Sheila Roberts, said they provide the same care as any primary care doctors visit, but there is never a bill.
"We want to be here to serve the needs of our community for those who can't afford health care any other way," said Roberts.
To apply and qualify for services at the clinic, you must be a Brunswick County resident and have no form of medical insurance. Applicants can't make more than 50 percent over the federal poverty line.
"If someone is earning money, it may not be enough to afford everything in their life, and unfortunately health care is one of the first things that's sacrificed," said Roberts.
One initiative Roberts said the clinic is adopting to reach more people is changing the application requirements. Before, people applying for services were required to come to the clinic for a face-to-face interview. Now, applicants can submit documents online, by mail, fax, or in person and opt for an over-the-phone interview.
Right now, the clinic reaches about 10 percent of eligible adults in Brunswick County, and Roberts wants to reach more.
"We want to do the best we can for our community to ensure everyone is healthier," said Roberts.
Those who may need free health care that do not live in Brunswick County can call community resource information at 211 to see if there's a clinic near you.