Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Free Clinic"?

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 lay 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 33 Free Clinics in Virginia with six more under development, the most of any state.

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, or Giles counties or the city of Radford. Residents of Pulaski County can also be seen in our dental program.

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 the Floyd Free Medical Clinic located in the New River Health Department in Floyd, Virginia, a Radford Clinic in Radford, Virginia, and a Giles clinic in Pearisburg, Virginia..

What kind of health services are provided?

Primary care, prescription medications, diabetic supplies, and dental care. In special circumstances, we arrange for necessary surgeries for Free Clinic patients.

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.

Does the Free Clinic perform abortions?

No. Patients requesting pregnancy information are referred to other established community agencies, obstetric practices, or counseling services.

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 lay 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 do I know that a personal financial contribution will be used wisely?

The Free Clinic maintains an administrative overhead of only 10%, thereby directing 90% of its resources directly to the health of our patients. Because of this, we turn every dollar you donate into $4.00 worth of healthcare.

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

The Clinic Pharmacy is licensed by the State of Virginia; we have instituted a unified provider recruitment, agreement, and referral system; and we have expanded the Dental Program by hiring a part - time Dentist.