Make a donation to help The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia, SC


1875 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
803.765.1503
FAX 803.779.6178
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Provider — U.X. “Buddy” Cullum, MD

A volunteer for the past four years, Dr. Cullum has been a blessing to our patients and their struggle with chronic diseases.  He routinely visits the clinic every week seeing an average of 9-12 patients with a caring spirit, sense of humor and witty personality.  We thank him for his many years of service to our patients and are honored to have been blessed by his presence.

Pharmacy — Matthew Dunkin

For the past two years, Matt has served as an exceptional volunteer.  He is willing to do anything asked of him — whether filling prescriptions, breaking down baskets or verifying income for our PAP program.  Most importantly, he loves helping others and we are very grateful for his selfless service and devotion.

Nursing — Haley Smith

A volunteer since last year, Haley provided direct patient care and administrative support in our nursing area.  Haley’s volunteerism began as a clinical assignment, but things quickly changed as she began to help with patient education and coordinating referrals.

Administrative — David Claybrook

David has been a dedicated volunteer for the past year, working each week to enter patient data into the web-based SCHIEx database.  He is very dependable and committed to the mission of the clinic.

As I begin this update, I want you to know that I am incredibly humbled to assume the mantle of leadership as the Board Chair.  I must thank Thom Salane for his tireless efforts and leadership through some challenging times of staff turnover, increasing demand for services and increased competition for funding.  With his steady hand and lots of help from amazing volunteers and superb community partners, I am very proud to present the 2011 Achievements.  While some of the significant increases  were due to the fact that last year’s challenges left us “gasping for air” in a few areas, a solid effort led by our staff showed substantial results.    

I am often asked whether there will be a need for a free clinic after 2014, when the Affordable Care Act’s implementation will be realized and “everyone” will have affordable health insurance in order to obtain needed health care services.  My response — while there should be improvements that help some our of neighbors, there will still be a vulnerable population that is desperately looking for help.  People who fall through the new cracks in the safety net system put in place.  This clinic was created to help our neighbors who suffer with health problems and need a little bit of help and a whole lot of hope.  We should be proud of our remarkable Legacy of Caring with over 153,000 medical visits and millions of dollars in medications and diabetic supplies as testimony of the efforts of those who have helped this clinic accomplish its mission over the years.  Sadly, I am confident we will have a role after 2014 — just with different challenges.  Our future is bright, but it will continue to be a struggle.  We must focus on strengthening our capabilities and increasing our efforts and resolve. I am very grateful for those who made this year’s accomplishments possible.  Without your consistent and generous support, we would have struggled mightily. For those who may be new to the area or just discovered this valuable community treasure and are willing to join our effort, I encourage

2011 Achievements

  • Provided health care services to 2,521 individuals, an increase of 26% over 2010 workload.
  • Provided 13,495 patient encounters, the largest total in our 27-year history.
  • Served 1,343 new patients, an increase of 9% over 2010 workload.
  • Provided 6,458 medical visits, an increase of 33% over 2010 totals.
  • Provided 7,037 refill visits, an increase of 23% over 2010 totals.
  • Filled 61,355 prescriptions, an increase of 26% over 2010 workload.
  • Dispensed almost $5.33 million of medications and diabetic supplies, an increase of 36% over 2010 and highest in our history.
  • Coordinated 3,354 laboratory, x-ray and diagnostic tests with tremendous support of the three hospital systems, an increase of 24% over 2010 workload.
  • Coordinated 1,158 specialty referrals in 24 specialties, a decrease of 15% over 2010 workload.
  • For every dollar donated in 2011, we provided $8.16 in health care services!
YearPatient EncountersMedications & Diabetic SuppliesNew Patients
200513,3642.77 Million1,485
200611,3392.57 million895
200711,5422.90 million1,173
200812,0253.77 million1,655
200911,3604.12 million1,333
201010,6283.94 million1,238
201113,4955.33 million1,343
 

2011 Income

Income for 2011 - The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia, SC
IncomeAmount
Total$894,541.23
Memorials/Honoraria$7,409.00
Churches$46,738.47
Individuals$77,833.12
Corporations/Organizations$17,161.69
Hospital Systems$120,000.00
United Way allocation$263,800.08
United Way designations$64,376.81
Grants$189,575.00
Special Events$94,577.90
Program Service / Patient donations$8,196.50
Investment Revenue$1,603.99
Misc. Income$3,268.67

2011 Expenses

The 2011 expenses of The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia,SC
TypeExpenseAmount
Total:$874,423.63
PersonnelSalaries$508,091.83
PersonnelPayroll Taxes$28,519.18
PersonnelEmployee Benefits$29,760.42
PersonnelTravel$6,543.06
PersonnelStaff Development$2,341.21
PharmacyMedications & diabetic supplies$66,897.13
PharmacySupplies$4,818.86
FacilitiesBldg Maintenance$16,511.15
FacilitiesUtilities$18,193.64
FacilitiesTelephone$3,745.37
OperationsAccounting Fees$2,310.00
OperationsBank Charges$425.82
OperationsComputer Maintenance$3,020.48
OperationsCopier Lease$5,368.97
OperationsEquipment Purchases$1,548.29
OperationsInsurance$19,769.06
OperationsMarketing/Public Relations$753.15
OperationsMedical Waste Services$3,456.33
OperationsMembership Dues$2,400.00
OperationsPostage / Shipping$8,342.77
OperationsPrinting$8,420.84
OperationsSupplies$11,488.68
OperationsTransportation (Patient)$1,693.65
OperationsVolunteer Expenses$4,540.72
United Way GrantsDental$106,249.82
United Way GrantsGood Samaritan Clinic$7,008.00
United Way GrantsMedNeed of SC2,083.35

The Partners of The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia, SC are donors whose generous contributions ranged from $100 to $249. These people who donated to The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia, SC were a big part of the 2011 Legacy of Caring, and a vital part of the Free Medical Clinic’s lifeline.

Partners of The Free Medical Clinic ($100 to $249) - 2011

Abale, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Ken Kinard
Antioch Baptist ChurchMr. and Mrs. Kenneth P. Woodington
Bethel United Methodist ChurchMr. and Mrs. L.A. Marsha, Jr.
Church, United Methodist WomenMr. and Mrs. Larry Bilka, Sr.
Church, United Methodist WomenMr. and Mrs. Michael Gorman
COL and Mrs. James C. HareMr. and Mrs. Pleasant T. McCutchen, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Alan H. BrillMr. and Mrs. Richard K. Cooper, II
Dr. and Mrs. Allan S. BrettMr. and Mrs. Robert G. Davidson
Dr. and Mrs. Andy DonatoMr. Charles E. Hill
Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Derrick, Jr.Mr. David M. Leopard
Dr. and Mrs. E.R. TaylorMr. Frank S. Cox
Dr. and Mrs. Edward M. Leppard, Jr.Mr. George O. Hallman, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Gerald N. OlsenMr. J. Leeds Barroll, IV
Dr. and Mrs. John C. RawlMr. James E. Wilson
Dr. and Mrs. John E. WoffordMr. James R. Mullen
Dr. and Mrs. John G. Beasley, Jr.Mr. John B. Bryan, III
Dr. and Mrs. March E. SeabrookMr. John C. Hemming
Dr. and Mrs. Richard M. HelmanMr. Keith Williams
Dr. and Mrs. Robert DegenhartMr. P. Dennis Way
Dr. and Mrs. Robert N. MillingMr. Thomas E. Brown, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. Terence N. ChapmanMr. W. B. Cox
Dr. and Mrs. Verne ProsserMr. William P. Bennett, Jr.
Dr. and Mrs. William Cain, Jr.Mrs. Amanda D. Berrier
Dr. Billy LanceMrs. Ellen M. Adams
Dr. Harold C. MorganMrs. Kay C. Martin
Dr. Kathleen AntonettiMrs. Ruth Gambill Miller
Dr. Kelly E. MaloneyMs Jane W. Trinkley
Dr. Ralph RynesMs Karen E. Tiemann
Dr. Ruthann Fox-HinesMs Marie Safie
Dr. Sean O’MearaMs Maxine Sullivan
First Nazareth Baptist ChurchMs Monette Sox
First Presbyterian Church, Circle #8Ms Vanessa Scott
Gertz and MooreMs. Barbara A. Kirby
Good Shepherd Lutheran ChurchMs. Caroline F. Morris
Gov. and Mrs. James B. EdwardsMs. Linda E. Mayfield
Joy Sunday School ClassMs. Louise Y. Davis
JW Hunt & Company, LLCMs. Lynn Butler
LiveWireMs. Mary L. Ballou
LRADAC Christian Pharmacists Fellowship InternationalMs. MaryAnne Hess
Mr. and Mrs. Charles N. TaylorMs. Rowena C. Nylund
Mr. and Mrs. Curtis D. DockterNAWIC, Columbia Chapter No 113
Mr. and Mrs. D. Wayne CrosbyPastafarians at USC
Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. GibsonPopowski, Callas & Shirley, PA
Mr. and Mrs. Dwight L. WilliamsonPorth Contracting Company, Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward E. MercerSouth Carolina Pharmacy Association
Mr. and Mrs. Flaminio SanchezSt. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church
Mr. and Mrs. George S. King, Jr.Vapor Test and Balance, LLC
Mr. and Mrs. Harold BruntonVirginia Wingard United Methodist
Mr. and Mrs. John A. BaileyWashington Street United Methodist
Mr. and Mrs. John K. Van Duys

More than 600 people packed the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Thursday, November 17 for the 7th annual Doctors Lounge fundraiser.  The event featured live music from 12 local physicians and raised a record $50,000 through sponsorship, ticket sales and the silent auction.  The silent auction was spectacular —  over 200 items, raising over $12,000.  Tony Clyburn, B106.7 star, served as the master of ceremonies and the food was outstanding.  Thank you to our sponsors, performers, individuals and businesses that donated to our silent auction, donors and those who attended the event.  Special thanks to Mrs. Cassie Taylor and her committee for their help with the silent auction providing artwork, vacation packages, gift certificates and more.  Extra special thanks to Mr. Barry Hill and the entire Centura College Staff for volunteering their time to be a hosts and hostess of the event and Going Commando for the use of their sound system.  Missed your chance to attend?  Don’t worry – we’re doing it again on Thursday, November 15, 2012.

Sponsors of the Doctors Lounge Fundraiser

Gold LevelSilver LevelBronze LevelFriends of the Clinic
Dr. Ramie Cox & Dr. Joe HorvathDr. Todd CrumpAT & TDr. Bryan Huff & Dr. Harry
Lexington Medical CenterDr. & Mrs. Robert MalanukBarnes, Alford, Stork & Johnson, LLPMilne
Palmetto HealthBlueCross BlueShield of South CarolinaLexington Radiology Associates
Providence HospitalsDavid & Rebecca BoucherMashburn Construction
Turner, Padgett, GrahamCarolina Retina CenterSouth Carolina Federal Credit
Chernoff NewmanUnion
Columbia Cardiology ConsultantsThe South Carolina
Fred Kotoske &Neurological Clinic, PA
Dr. Carole PillingerUniversity of South Carolina
Moore Orthopaedic ClinicOrthopaedics
Rice Music House

The Doctors Lounge Fundraiser Performers

PerformerPartRepresenting
Dr. Stacy SmithsonKeyboards, VocalsLake Murray OB/GYN
Dr. James KnightGuitarCritical Care Systems, Inc. & Going Commando
Dr. Patricia WitherspoonVocalsPalmetto Health Richland Family Practice
Dr. Tom EdmundsGuitar, VocalsCapital Urology
Dr. Timothy D. MaloneGuitar, VocalsColumbia Psychiatric Associates
Dr. Mark MaysonGuitar, VocalsPalmetto Pulmonology
Dr. Brad WordGuitar, VocalsColumbia Medical Group, P.A.
Dr. Verne ProsserColumbia Heart Clinic
Dr. Ben PaysingerPalmetto Ear, Nose & Throat
Dr. Keith BridgesThree Rivers Medical Association & M.Y. Affliction
Dr. John CarnesPianoThe SC Neurological Clinic, P.A.
Dr. Joey EvansBanjo, Electric BassChapin Family Practice
Dr. Beau ThompsonVocalsLexington Women’s Care
Dr. Brooks MaysGuitarEndocrinology at Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Inc

We are grateful for (and always need) volunteers. To each of you who selected The Free Medical Clinic as the recipient of your precious gift, we say thank you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, your kindness and your commitment to help others. We are privileged to have a wonderful team of volunteers to work with our patients. Our pledge is to strive to make your experience as meaningful as possible. It is our hope that each time you enter these doors filled with the intent to help and heal others, you will leave with a sense that you have been healed. So to each of you, please know that we are grateful and honored to be part of your life, as you are indeed a part of ours.

PROVIDERS:

Our providers include physicians and nurse practitioners. This group logged in 1,774 volunteer hours, not counting the specialty physicians that see our patients in their own offices. Our specialty network of volunteers provided 1,158 referrals in 24 different specialties. Read More – >

PHARMACY:

Pharmacy volunteers, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students, logged in 3,824 hours of service. We are very fortunate to have a team of pharmacists who care about our patients and the community they serve. Read More – >

NURSING:

Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Medical Students and others logged in 6,940 volunteers hours this year. Our volunteer nurses brighten patients’ experiences by adding warmth and a personal touch to what maybe a stressful time for patients and their families and friends. Read More – >

ADMINISTRATIVE:

This group includes students, clerical volunteers, board members, event volunteers and large groups. They logged in 4,976 hours of service to the clinic. Our administrative volunteers provide dependable, efficient assistance to our staff, allowing them to better focus on providing excellent medical care. In addition to individual volunteers, we continue to enjoy partnerships with the University of South Carolina, United Way of the Midlands, South University, Midlands Technical College, Centura, Fortis, Remington College, Benedict College, Virginia College and many faith communities and civic organizations. We appreciate all of our volunteers and thank them immensely for their effort to Help Us Meet the Need. Read More – >

In 2011, our volunteers provided 17,514 hours of service.

If a dollar value was placed on the services provided by ourvolunteers, the amount would exceed $819,044.

  • Providers – 64
  • Specialists – 130
  • Nursing – 406
  • Pharmacists – 15
  • Pharmacy Techs – 273
  • Administrative – 353

Total Volunteers – 1,241

Volunteer orientation sessions are scheduled regularly, as listed below. Dates and times are subject to change, so please contact Sandy Earles at 765-1503, Ext. 205 or by email at volunteer@freemedclinic.org  to register for volunteer orientation.

Since opening in May 1984, volunteers have been the foundation and crucial component to the viability of the Clinic’s operations. We are extremely grateful for our volunteers — without them, we would not be able to operate! In 2011, we had over 17,514 volunteer hours donated to enable us to provide medical services and pharmaceuticals to the indigent and uninsured in Richland and Lexington counties. Currently we have approximately 1,241 volunteers in four categories: Provider, Nursing, Pharmacist and Administrative. To get more details regarding each category, click on a link below.

Volunteer To Help The Free Medical Clinic of Columbia, SC

The Free Medical Clinic relies on hundreds of administrative volunteers to provide staffing for a wide variety of support operations. Many volunteers choose to work one day a month (for example, 3rd Tuesday of the month). Administrative volunteers help screen new patients to determine their eligibility, serve as translators (especially Spanish), maintain medical records, help process Patient Assistance Program (PAP) applications to get the medications, help with minor repairs to the facility and data entry/statistics compilation. In addition, there are special projects from time to time that are focused efforts.

To volunteer, you only need to be willing to help.

In 2011, the pharmacy saw several changes and improvements.   The most fortunate was the move to employ Michael Moore to full-time status.  This move enabled the Pharmacy to provide more dispensing hours, allowing our patients more access to their prescriptions.  The increase in staff hours and the willingness of our volunteer pharmacists to come to the clinic allowed the pharmacy to start a medication management chart review program.  These reviews have proven to be aninvaluable service to the clinic in an attempt to reduce the number of medications taken by our patients.  It also strengthens the involvement of and relationships between the pharmacists and providers here at the clinic.  The pharmacy had the second-most productive year in the history of the clinic.  The staff, along with the tireless and vital volunteers dispensed 61,355 prescriptions worth an average wholesale price of $5.33 million.  The pharmacy also benefitted from the knowledge and experience of PharmD and pharmacy tech students from the USC College of Pharmacy, South University, Virginia College and Remington College.  We are looking forward to the future challenges!

The Free Medical Clinic relies on over 45 volunteer registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants to provide staffing for its Walk-In Clinic capability. Many volunteers choose to work one day a month (for example, 3rd Tuesday of the month).

The nursing volunteers run the clinical operations in support of the volunteer providers. In addition to screening patients, nursing volunteers educate patients regarding their medical condition(s) and help manage the referral process for diagnostic testing and specialty care.

To volunteer, Registered Nurses must be licensed in South Carolina.

If you are interested in providing much-needed help, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator or call is at 765-1503.

The Free Medical Clinic relies on over 45 volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners to provide staffing for its Walk-In Clinic capability. Some of the physician specialists have agreed to see our patients in their private practice setting where they are better suited to meet the patients’ needs. Many volunteer providers choose to work one day a month (for example, 3rd Tuesday of the month).

To volunteer, providers must be licensed in South Carolina. The clinic does maintain a malpractice policy for the volunteer providers. Also, uncompensated providers are covered under the state’s Good Samaritan law that limits liability except to gross negligence or willful misconduct.

If you are interested in providing much-needed help, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@freemedclinic.org or call 765-1503.

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