Rachel Seidel

Rachel has been volunteering as an Outreach Eligibility Specialist with Free Clinic of Southwest Washington since December 2008.  She provides support at every Immunization Clinic by registering our young patients as they arrive and reviewing their immunization paperwork.  She actively seeks out uninsured children during these clinics and helps them apply for insurance.  

Rachel always shows up.  She is here for every immunization clinic (3 Wednesday evenings per month.) She has volunteered 106 times and yet has no recorded absences. Her commitment to the children and the program is plain to see.  We sat down with Rachel and asked her to share her experience with us.

You have volunteered over 4 years with close to 200 hours of service at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, what motivated and inspired you to volunteer in the first place?

I first became involved with the Free Clinic with my job as a Medicaid Outreach Coordinator for DSHS.  I would come to clinics and work with Clinic staff to assist patients in applying for Medicaid.  When my position changed and I was no longer in outreach with DSHS I didn’t want to stop coming to the Clinic so I began volunteering.

What do you do at the Free Clinic? What do you like about that position?

I work as a clerk at the Immunization Clinic on Wednesday nights.  I really enjoy the team of nurses and other clerks I work with, I’m always learning from them.  I also really enjoy assisting and interacting with the families who come in for immunizations.

Can you think of an experience while volunteering that stands out to you?

One of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen was when I came to the Immunization Clinic a few years ago right before school started and at 4:30 there was a line of about 100 kids waiting to get immunizations.  It was heartbreaking to see the incredible need and know that the clinic would probably be able to see about 30 of those children for immunizations. 

What do you do for a living and how does your work benefit from volunteering at the Free Clinic?

I work as a Lead Financial Worker for the Department of Social and Health Services.  Often times my job is high stress and I have to be the person who tells a customer that we can’t help them because of x,y,z reasons.  There are so many people in our community who need help and so many don’t qualify for Public Medical Assistance but volunteering at the Free Clinic allows me to help people who I can’t help in my regular job. 

You recently had a theme birthday party that benefited the Free Clinic; can you explain what that was about and what you did to fundraise for that party? Was it successful? If so, why?

I have for years thrown a costume dinner party to celebrate my birthday.  People would bring gifts even when I asked for no gifts.  Although it was nice of my friends, I really didn’t need anything.  So, a couple years ago I decided have a silent auction for a local non-profit at my party and explain to guests that although their gifts were nice, I would rather they not give me a gift and raise money for the Free Clinic instead.  We created a silent auction with a combination of donated items and services provided by my wonderfully talented friends and family.

What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the Free Clinic of Southwest Washington?  What keeps you coming back?

I believe that it is my responsibility to give back what you receive.  I grew up in Clark County: I played sports, participated in Community Theater, attended public school; this community has given me a lot and when I am able I want to give back.   The people who work, volunteer and attend the clinics is what brings me back week after week.

Do you have any advice for new volunteers?

My only advice is that no matter what service you are providing at the Free Clinic you are making a difference in a patient’s life.