Macon Magazine

Since its doors opened in 2003, the clinic has logged more than 38,000 patient visits. Good will continues to pour in, as well, with more than 1,000 volunteers and $2.1 million in in-kind services through the past decade. Dr. J. Eric Roddenberry of OB/GYN Specialists has worked clinic shifts since the beginning. "I was part of a similar program as a med student at Duke University, and when this opportunity came up, there was no question about me being a part of it. It's a way for me to give back and help people who, otherwise, wouldn't be able to have medical treatment. I'll continue to do this as long as they need me." What began as a primary-care clinic has become so much more. "It began with the medical clinic, and services continued to expand as the idea caught on and more people wanted to get involved," said the clinic's executive director Cile Lind. "Now, we partner with Central Georgia Tech's dentalhygiene program for patients to have their teeth cleaned. We also work with the Lions Club to get eyeglasses for patients. Recently, we received a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which enables us to provide mammograms. We wouldn't have been able to offer this care without these partnerships." As the only clinic of its type in the area, uninsured working adults of Bibb County also have access to colonoscopies, cancer screenings and non-narcotic prescription medications. In fact, the on-site pharmacy dispensed in excess of $2.7 million of much-needed medicine in 2012. Services are free of charge to all patients. To qualify, you must be actively employed, live in Bibb County, be uninsured, be between the ages of 18-64, meet the income requirements set forth by the clinic, and provide a valid Social Security number and current tax return. Maurice Smith, a local nursing home chaplain, and his wife, Patrice, have used the clinic for two years. He said he's never encountered an organization like this and hopes it will continue to grow and serve more people. He especially likes the atmosphere. "You won't find a bad spirit there. They are so warm and there is so much love there. Everybody really cares about you. They all even hug us every time they see us." Since it does not receive state or federal funding, MVC relies on the community to keep overhead low and costs focused on quality patient care. Individuals and groups can provide support through donations of supplies (visit maconvolunteerclinic.com and click on "Supply Requests" for a complete listing), financial contributions and volunteers. Lisa Moore is one such volunteer who keeps the clinic humming. Since she started in 2005, she's learned how to do a bit of everything. She greets patients, pulls charts, performs clerical tasks and fills in when the office manager is out to keep the clinic operating smoothly. Having formerly served as a board member for the Macon Symphony Orchestra and patronized other local arts and cultural enterprises, Moore decided she wanted to explore a different type of volunteer opportunity when she found herself with time on her hands. Today, she couldn't imagine not working at the clinic. "I enjoy seeing the patients' lives changed and made better," she said. "The doctors really take an interest and help them understand what's going on with their bodies. "I feel like what we're doing makes a real difference. The patients we see work and are active in the community, giving their best. We help to add a dimension of quality (health) to their lives." Support for the clinic comes in many forms. For example, local church groups, Dr. Lynn Denny, left, talks with Dr. Huma Arain, a resident at the Medical Center. april/MAy 2013macon magazine I 63

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