Rescue Mission Hails Volunteers

Any organization that depends on volunteers is likely to show its appreciation for them and the Rescue Mission is no exception. A recent Sunday—Valentine’s Day to be exact—was a day of celebration when volunteers were recognized and given a tour of the Mission’s new medical clinic. “O Happy Day” was the theme of the event.  Yellow smiley faces brightened the atmosphere, which included cookies decorated with smiling faces given out as favors to all attending.

Fourteen stations set up around the Mission recognized volunteers as valued contributors who help to make their operations run smoothly.  Over 400 attended the reception, according to Director of Development and Administration Lee Clark.

Volunteers are vital at the Mission, where they logged 76,743 volunteer hours in 2009 – the equivalent of 37 full time employees, according to Clark. The medical clinic already has volunteer workers, and “there is always a need for someone to step in and help,” he added.

Dr. Faith Pasley works as Volunteer Medical Director. She practices family medicine  and wanted to spend her time at the Mission where she can share her faith. “God changed my life,” said Pasley, adding that she wanted to be helping people in Jesus’ name, believing that people’s spiritual needs are just as important as physical needs.

The new Dr. G. Wayne Fralin Free Clinic for the Homeless is named for a “compassionate and innovative family practice doctor who has served in the community for many years,” said a Mission press release. Dr. Fralin was present – and honored – at the ceremony.

The clinic made its move to its new location on Monday, March 8, and began seeing patients at its new location just two days later. It has over three times the space—7,300 square feet – compared to the 2,000 square feet in the current clinic.

There are three ministries under the clinic’s umbrella. In the medical section there are six exam rooms, a lab, offices and a medication room. Patients needing dental work will be served in an area with five dental chairs, an x-ray room and a  lab. “The mental health area includes two psychiatrists’ offices for counseling,” added Clark.

“I think the clinic acts as a safety net for the homeless,” said Clinic Manager Stephanie Sylvester-Johnson. “We try to keep them out of the [emergency room].” Pasley said the clinic provides a “cost savings,” preventing unnecessary ER visits and hospital stays by treating chronic care needs. People who have insurance or who are working are not eligible for services.

“We are going to be able to serve over 20% more clients [in the first year],” said Sylvester-Johnson. “There are more than 12,000 visits a year in the current clinic.” Patients will receive better care in the Fralin clinic, and medical, dental and psychiatric services can be offered concurrently. Only one service at a time can be provided now.

“There are only three full time staff members and over 100 clinic volunteers are needed,” said the Mission’s CEO, Joy Sylvester-Johnson. “Regular people” are needed to take case histories and provide childcare, she added, in addition to those with medical experience. There is also a need to educate clients about diabetes and hypertension, she added.

Medical volunteers are needed, including “doctors, nurses, dentists and mental health personnel,” said Clark. Other volunteer needs include medical transcriptionists, receptionists and support staff. Those interested in volunteering may contact Volunteer Coordinator Leslie Littlefield at 777-7651.