Community Free Clinic ready for more

By Joanne Gonnerman Kannapolis Citizen CONCORD — When economic hard times hit, usually one of the first challenges people face is the cost of medical insurance and the health care it provides. But thanks to the vision and effort of two local physicians 14 years ago, the uninsured and those who cannot afford health care services have a place to turn — the Community Free Clinic in Concord. Founded in 1994 by family physicians Dr. David Lockhart and Dr. George Liles, the Community Free Clinic provides free medical care, medicine and emergency dental services to low-income and uninsured Cabarrus County residents. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists and lab technicians volunteer at the clinic, located at 528-A Lake Concord Road. “We are an important piece to the safety net,” said Venetia Skahen, Community Free Clinic director. “We’re lucky in this community that so many people have responded to the need for this kind of program. ... We still feel like people don’t know about us …” To address that concern, the Community Free Clinic held an open house April 29 to increase awareness of its services. “This open house is for our health-care providers, supporters and potential patients and volunteers,” said Skahen. “It’s also for those who refer patients to us, like the parish nurses at area churches. It’s important to remind the community that we’re here.” “We’re always looking for new volunteers,” said David Thompson, volunteer coordinator. “Volunteers attend a brief orientation to learn about the basic policies of the clinic and review the basic jobs for non-medical positions. They receive their training while on the job.” One volunteer who brought her training with her is Dr. Erika Steinbacher, a family medicine physician with Cabarrus Family Medicine. Steinbacher has volunteered at the clinic for more that 13 years. “I volunteer because it’s a good thing to do,” said Steinbacher. “There’s a need to help good people who can’t get health care. We have an amazing network for the uninsured.” Those services include prescription medications, lab and X-ray services, dental extractions and referrals to specialists who see clinic patients in their private practice free of charge. Funds for these services are provided through donations, grants, fundraisers and United Way contributions. Kannapolis resident Sharon Nesbit, 59, has received many of the clinic’s services since losing her health care insurance in 2001. “A new company bought the company I worked for,” said Nesbit, “and they didn’t give us health insurance. I was struggling buying 15 pills every two weeks. I’d have to charge it (the medicine) and then didn’t know if I could pay for it.” The Community Free Clinic helps Nesbit receive not only her medications but the ongoing health care services she needs. Nesbit has diabetes. “I am going to school to better myself and so I can give back,” Nesbit said. “I was taught if someone does something for you, you should give back. I’m going to have a birthday soon … on July 24th. I have lots of friends and I’m asking them to just give me a birthday card and money. I’m giving half my birthday money to the Community Free Clinic.” The telephone number for the clinic is 704-782-0650. Contact Joanne Gonnerman at 704-932-3336 or jgonnerman@kannapoliscitizen.com.