Matthews Free Medical Clinic History

In the spring of 2003, Matthews United Methodist Church parish nurse, Gail Dokes, RN, gathered a group of diverse volunteers to pursue a dream of starting a free health clinic in the Matthews area. Studies determined that more than 24,000 individuals were uninsured in the Matthews zip codes area and were in need of medical care. The Volunteers In Medicine Institute was contacted for help in developing our clinic. Following their timelines and protocols for development, our small clinic was able to open in February, 2004, under the direction of Lou Ann McAdams, MD, Medical Director, and Gail Dokes, RN, Executive Director. The clinic, located in a small white house at 113 N. Ames Street, Matthews, NC, was able to operate rent-free for one year thanks to a generous donation by a Matthews citizen and philanthropist. Starting operating costs were contributed by Matthews United Methodist Church and individual donors. Lab Corps generously provided needed laboratory testing, and most of the medical equipment was donated from other doctor offices. Radiology services were provided by Presbyterian Hospital Matthews and Mecklenburg Radiology Associates. The clinic received its tax-exempt status on February 17, 2004.

The Matthews Free Medical Clinic operates with two paid employees-- one full-time nurse manager and one part-time executive director, and a volunteer medical director. Volunteer physicians, nurses, other medical professionals, and non-medical volunteers round out the workforce. A Board of Directors oversees the operations of the Matthews Free Medical Clinic and helps to direct fundraising. 2006 brought forth a successful golf tournament that raised $27,000, and grants from the North Carolina Association of Free Clinics, Mecklenburg Medical Alliance, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, Grace and Hope Foundation, Sam's Club, and Presbyterian Hospital Foundation. We were also awarded a NC State Planning Grant, which is to be used to study improvement of medical care for uninsured Union County residents. Private donations have been invaluable to operations.

Presbyterian Hospital Matthews formed the Community Health Alliance in 2006 under the direction of its administrator, Mark Billings. The Presbyterian Hospital Matthews Community Health Alliance is a group of business leaders and healthcare providers who have come together to improve access to healthcare for low-income, uninsured residents of the greater Matthews, NC, area. The Alliance has agreed to support the Matthews Free Medical Clinic as its project for 2007.