By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon County Free Medical Clinic held its grand opening on Tuesday.
The clinic will provide complete, confidential routine medical care to the county’s working uninsured poor between the ages of 19-64.
The clinic will be by appointment only and will be open two evenings a week. Emergency care will be referred to the hospital, and walk-ins will not be allowed.
Local volunteers—doctors, nurses, etc. from Dillon County and the surrounding area—will be providing the medical care.
“The Dillon County Free Medical Clinic is a faith based, non-profit organization committed to providing non-emergency medical care to the uninsured residents of Dillon County with dignity, respect, and Christian love,” said Rev. Ernest Barrentine, chairman of the Dillon County Free Medical Clinic Board and RALI Dillon County Board member, during the ceremony.
“In a county where nearly a third of the population live at or below the poverty level and nearly a quarter are uninsured, this clinic will provide a much needed service to our residents,” said Barrentine, who thanked all who made this possible.
Dr. Paul Freel, Medical Director for the Dillon County Free Medical Clinic, said the clinic was a reflection of the spirit of the community and the county.
Others who spoke were Leslie Grubb, executive director of the clinic; Debbie Locklair, administrator of McLeod-Dillon; Pat Laird, RALI-Dillon County chairperson; and Dr. Richard Chapman, provost, Francis Marion University.
Dr. Greg Hyler, pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church and Dillon County Free Medical Clinic Board member, and Rev. Dr. Eugen “Buddy” Bach, pastor of Latta Presbyterian Church and Kentyre Presbyterian Church, also participated in the program. A ribbon cutting was held following the ceremony.
The Dillon County Free Medical Clinic is located at 310 East Washington St., Dillon.