Free Clinic of Southwest Washington News
2011 Friends of the Free Clinic Holiday Ball
The 3rd annual Holiday Ball, presented by PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center and emceed by Mark Mathias from Beaches Restaurant, raised $258,000 for the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington. This event provides for 20 percent of the clinic's annual expenses. "This signficant support from our community comes at a time when 13.3 percent of Clark County residents are without health insurance," said Barbe West, Executive Director of the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington. "We are indebted to the Friends of the Free Clinic for their talent and leadership in planning this annual festive event. Because of their efforts, the Free Clinic continues to provide quality compassionate health care for those in need," stated Ron Bertolucci, President, Board of Directors.
For photos and complete list of sponsors, visit the Holiday Ball Page.
Recent Honors & Awards
Excellence in Governance Award
Non Profit Network of Southwest Washington
The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington earned this award through it's demonstrated excellent practices in planning, financial and programmatic oversight, resource development, visibility, board development and responsiveness to change.
2011-2012 Charity Seal Member
Better Business Bureau
To be recognized by the Better Business Bureau, the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington met 20 Standards of Accountability through the BBB charity review. This seal informs donors of a charity's ethical practices and encourages greater confidence in giving.
Award for Distinction for Community Partnership
Washington State University
The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington was recognized for its support and benefit to the local community through its commitment to successful community partnerships, prosperity, vitality and overall well-being.
Patient Story
When Maria came to the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington (FCSW), she walked in the door crying. Her teeth had been causing so much pain that she hadn’t slept for two days. They were even causing her to have pain in her head and neck. When she heard about the FCSW, she came in to get help.
Maria was scheduled for an appointment at the FCSW the day she came in with so much pain. “When Mitch [former Dental Program Coordinator] saw me walk through the door, he didn’t even know who I was, but he stopped what he was doing to help me,” she says of her care at the FCSW.
While she regularly brushed her teeth, Maria didn’t have health or dental insurance to remedy any oral health problems. Working a part-time job, insurance wasn’t offered through her employer and it was unaffordable on her own. She had teeth extracted, but the pain would still return. Her teeth were getting weaker and were beginning to break. When her front tooth broke it was not only painful, but it also made this once outgoing, friendly young woman shy and reluctant to smile.
Free Clinic of Southwest Washington volunteers extracted four teeth that were decayed and broken to the gum line, causing infection and pain. On her final visit, the dentist was able to repair her broken front tooth, a service that is not typically offered at the FCSW. “I couldn’t believe they were able to fix my tooth,” she says. “I don’t know what I would have done without the Free Clinic…I was in so much pain. The Free Clinic of Southwest Washington gave me back my life and my smile.”
All-Volunteer Clinics
Free Clinic of Southwest Washington services are provided by volunteers – learn more
Volunteer Information Center online scheduling & more, for registered volunteers
Free Clinic of Southwest Washington is a 501(c)3 nonprofit | Tax ID# 91-1707542
4100 Plomondon Street, Vancouver, WA 98661 | Get directions at www.google.com
(360) 313-1390 | (360) 313-1391 fax
Free Clinic of Southwest Washington meets all of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability. For more information go to www.bbb.org
