Free clinics in central Virginia are bracing for the coming impact after the passage of a federal spending bill on Thursday. The bill proposes cuts to Medicaid, which could put even more pressure on clinics with limited resources.
These free clinics provide medical and dental services to residents who are uninsured or underinsured. The implementation of this bill will have immediate and far-reaching consequences, said Dr. Derek Brown, the clinic’s executive director.
“We have to be very careful about who we can serve and when we can serve them,” Brown said. “With the increase in patient volume and the interruption of Medicaid, we will become the last resort and only option for many people.”
Brown emphasized that the spending bill is not just a piece of paper, it will have a real impact on the lives of thousands of people.
“Behind any major legislation, there are real people and real consequences. Not only will people lose basic health care, their economic status, employment, career prospects, and even their ability to take care of their families will be affected. This is why we need to support organizations like the free clinic to fill the gap,” Brown added.
Clinic patient LaShawn Hubbard shared her own experience. She has limited mobility due to a spinal cord injury, and the free clinic provides critical support for her treatment.
“I have no disability or Medicaid and rely on this clinic. If they can’t continue to provide services, I really don’t know where else I can go,” Hubbard said.
Currently, due to a fire last winter, the clinic has temporarily relocated to two temporary locations:
Medical services are located at: Quaker Memorial Presbyterian Church (5810 Fort Ave.), with the entrance on the lower level of Quaker Parkway.
Dental services are located at: 3718 Old Forest Rd., in the Community Access Network building at the corner of Richeson Dr. and Old Forest Rd.
As new policies are implemented, these clinics are on the front line and continue to provide critical health support to vulnerable populations.