Dr. James Murphey, volunteer medical director of Community Helping Hands Clinic,
cheerfully offers no-cost care to qualified uninsured White County residents at the free
clinic on Cleveland’s Courthouse Square. Photo-Paul Scott Abbott
By: Paul Scott Abbott
(Cleveland)- Community Helping Hands Clinic in Cleveland is expanding free services for uninsured, low-income White County residents, which includes providing daytime doctor visits, and planning a September 19 team trivia benefit event.
Gene White, Executive Director of Community Helping Hands Clinic said, “Since opening its doors on Cleveland’s Courthouse Square in 2009, the free clinic has furnished compassionate, high-quality health care to nearly 2,000 neighbors in need.” He said, “The clinic now is responding to demand by offering daytime doctor visits in addition to evening hours.”
New offerings include referrals for tooth extractions and other dental services, provided at no charge to eligible patients. At the same time, the clinic continues to furnish referrals to other specialists as appropriate. White County residents wishing to be evaluated for eligibility are encouraged to phone the clinic at 706-865-1223.
“The demand for health care services in our county has never been greater,” said White, who noted that, as of 2021, White County’s ratio of 7,110 residents per physician was more than five times the national average of 1,330 residents per physician. At that time, 18 percent of White County’s adult residents had no health insurance.
Through its medical director, Dr. James Murphey, and other volunteer professionals, Community Helping Hands Clinic provides care for those suffering from many commonly diagnosed conditions, from hypertension and diabetes to asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Patients have access to low-cost medications, prescription assistance, and free diabetic supplies. The not-for-profit clinic – which furnishes services with a total estimated retail value of more than $2 million a year – receives no government funding and is grateful for generous community support, including from United Way of White County. Additional volunteers, donations, and prayers are always sincerely appreciated.
The team trivia night benefit is slated for Thursday, Sept. 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m., at Yonah Mountain Vineyards, 1717 Highway 255 South, Cleveland. To register in advance, at $10 per person, email jane@yonahmountainvineyards.com.
