Church Women United supports Columbia’s Free Medical Clinic

Flo Johnson, Church Women United of Columbia President, presents a donation to Dennis Coker, executive director of Columbia’s Free Medical Clinic. (L–r) Pam Thomas, VP of CWU:, Flo Johnson; Dennis Coker; Virginia Smith, past Free Medical Clinic board member; Joann Grant, CWU Treasurer. At the Church Women United Annual Luncheon Meeting Dennis Coker, executive director of Columbia’s Free Medical Clinic, presented information about the Clinic’s accomplishments and needs.

Church Women United (CWU) is an international, interracial, interdenominational organization of church women who have been devoted to helping groups in need locally and globally since 1922.

Columbia’s Free Medical Clinic was CWU’s chosen charity for this event. The mission of The Free Medical Clinic, located at 1875 Harden Street, is to provide quality health care at no cost to residents of the community who cannot pay for such services and who have no health insurance.

Columbia’s Free Medical Clinic started in 1983 as a prayer and an idea begun by a local church, and since then grants, donations, pharmaceutical assistance programs, supporting organizations, and volunteers have made it possible for 137,000 medical visits in 25 years to those who need it at no cost and have nowhere else to go.

Practical reasons for this success are being cost and performance effective with the goal to minimize chronic diseases. In 2008 for every dollar donated $8.46 in medical services was provided. Collaborating with the three local hospitals and Columbia Oral Health Clinic those involved with the clinic coordinate specialty referrals, laboratory and diagnostic tests, dental care, dispensing of medicines, prescriptions, and medical supplies.

Supervised by a small paid professional staff, volunteers provide office help, professional nursing, and pharmaceutical service. However, unfortunately not everyone who needs these medical services can be served due to the need for further financial donations and volunteers. They will go to emergency rooms or do nothing for their health.

For further information about the Columbia Free Medical Clinic and to volunteer or make a donation call 803-765-1503.

Everyone is invited to the 2010 Church Women United Programs of community benevolent interest, worship, music, and friendship that begin with refreshments at 10:30 and program at 11 am, March 5: “World Day of Prayer at St Peter’s Church; May 7: Friendship Day at Eastminster Presbyterian Church; October 1: Human rights Celebration at Jones Memorial AME Zion; November 5: World Community Day Mt Hebron UMC. On Feb 12 there will be a Bible study at Wesley Memorial UMC. For further information call 803- 738-0865.