Free Clinics are private, volunteer-based, nonprofit organizations that provide health care to people who lack insurance for the care they need and are low-income. Free Clinics are widely supported because they provide a high level of service with a minimal cost, due primarily to the effective use of volunteer medical professionals and local citizens.

While Free Clinics share a common purpose, each Clinic is independent and governed by its own local volunteer board of directors. Currently, there are 50 Free Clinics in Virginia. Please see the statewbsite: www.vafreeclinics.org.

Who can receive services at the Free Clinic of the New River Valley?

A person who is a resident of the New River Valley, lacks health insurance; and whose income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. (see "Eligibility Criteria" page). Eligible patients must live in Montgomery, Floyd, Pulaski, or Giles counties or the city of Radford.

How do I get services?

Call 540-381-0820 and ask for a patient screening appointment. When you come for your screening appointment, we will assess your eligibility. Be sure to bring proof of income with you.

Where is the Free Clinic?

Our administrative offices, medical clinic, and dental clinic are located at 215 Roanoke Street in Christiansburg, Virginia (directly across from the Wilco-Hess gas station). We also operate a Radford Clinic in Radford, Virginia and a Giles clinic in Pearisburg, Virginia.

What kind of health services are provided?

Onsite we provide: Primary care, prescription medications, diabetic supplies and dental care.

Are all services free of charge?

No. Both as a means to support the Clinic, and as a way to have patients maintain their health, we collect small administrative fees for prescription medications and dental visits. In addition, patients are asked to make a voluntary donation to the Clinic for a doctor visit.

I want to volunteer, but I am not a medical professional. How can I contribute?

The Clinic offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities for local citizens. These include patient screening, reception, data entry and community liaisons, to name a few. In addition, we can provide opportunities for high school and college students interested in the health professions. See our "Volunteer Opportunities" page for many more ways you can help!

How did the Clinic get started?

In 1981, the Free Clinic first opened its doors to people who lacked health insurance. Twenty-five area physicians, dentists and other health care professionals stepped forward to volunteer their services at the Clinic, which served approximately 1,000 patients per year.

Likewise, the Program for Special Medical Care was founded in 1987 by two area physicians who were also committed to treating people who were uninsured. The Program founders recruited 50 of their colleagues to see patients in their private offices, with Carilion Health System providing prescription medications. The Program served 500 patients.

The merger of the two Clinics in 1996 resulted in an efficiently governed, managed, and financed medical, dental and pharmaceutical health service for the uninsured in our community. With over 450 physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, specialists, dentists and local citizens, our Volunteer Health Care Provider Network has a noteworthy record of community service and achievements:

In 2001, $2.1 million dollars worth of services for 2,700 patients
In 2000, $1.5 million dollars worth or services for 2,619 patients
In 1998/99, $1.2 million dollars worth of services for 1,951 patients
In 1997, $1.1 million dollars worth of services for 1,910 patients
In 1996, $962,441 worth of health services for 1,785 patients