The Free Clinics is excited to welcome community members to an event on Sunday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the House of Flags in Columbus to learn about the health  program.

Monica Greene, Columbus town clerk, and Joe Crowder, with St. Luke’s Hospital, are co-hosting the event. Crowder, a resident of Columbus, also serves on The Free Clinics Board of Directors.

Guests will be treated to a brief, informal tour of the House of Flags and heavy hors d’oeuvres for lunch. At 1:15 p.m., Judith Long, the executive director of the Free Clinics, will speak about how The Free Clinics serves the residents of Polk County and answer questions.

“One in every 5 residents of Polk County qualifies for services from The Free Clinics,” Long said. “Even though The Free Clinics has been providing free healthcare services for low-income, uninsured residents of Polk County for nine years, many still don’t know about us. We’re inviting residents to these meetings to learn about our array of services and how we touch, change  and save lives in Polk County.

“Low-income, uninsured residents need to know about The Free Clinics. Those who want to invest charitable donations in the work of The Free Clinics also need to know about The Free Clinics.”

Last year, 174 residents of Polk County received healthcare services from The Free Clinics, and 112 received specialty care. The Free Clinics provided 2,719 free prescriptions valued at $647,164.

These numbers represent how The Free Clinics helps residents of Polk County live healthier, more productive lives, representatives said.

To register for Sunday’s event or to learn more about The Free Clinics, contact Mary at 828-697-8422 or mpartick@thefreeclinics.org. Visit www.thefreeclinics.org to learn more.

The Free Clinics, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, was established in 2001 and enhances the healthcare system in Henderson and Polk Counties to ensure the accessibility of quality healthcare for uninsured, low-income clients. The Free Clinics works with volunteers and partnering healthcare providers to provide healthcare, prevention, education, medication access and case management services, including specialty referrals.

– Submitted by Mark Neville