FREE CLINIC ANNOUNCES RECORD BREAKING YEAR
Eau Claire, WI – The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic (CVFC) provided a 33% increase in patient services in 2009 compared with 2008. “This was by far our busiest year yet,” stated Brent Hafele, executive director, “Many people lost their health insurance due to the recession and needed to turn to our clinic.”
CVFC saw a 47% increase in the number of first-time patients, compared to 2008; typically, new patient volume increases between 5-10% from year to year. In total, last year almost 800 individuals from the Chippewa Valley turned to the Free Clinic to receive their medical care. The Free Clinic released their 2009 Statistical Report on January 21, 2010.
“Prior to the recession, most of our patients were working,” says Dr. Ken Adler, CVFC’s founder and current medical director, “Now many of those patients have lost their jobs and need our help more than ever.” The Free Clinic responded to the increased demand by expanding services, opening earlier, and increasing volunteer opportunities. Despite all of these efforts, the Clinic continues to struggle to meet the need. “Our community helped in a big way in 2009,” said Hafele, “However, the needs continue. Donors and volunteers of all types are invited to make an impact in our patient’s lives.”
CVFC has worked hard to stretch its resources to serve even more patients. In 2009, it cost $404 to serve one patient for an entire year with primary medical care, a cost reduction of $100 from 2007. Care includes exams, labs, x-rays, medications, and other services.
2010 will be another big year for the Free Clinic. Expansion plans include dental health, ophthalmology, and a new wellness program. The Clinic will also implement an electronic medical records system. Community members interested in supporting the Clinic are encouraged to go to www.cvfreeclinic.org/get-involved.
###
The Chippewa Valley Free Clinic opened its doors in 1997 with the mission to provide health services to and advocacy for the people of the Chippewa Valley who have no health care alternative. If you’d like more information about the clinic, or to schedule an interview with Brent Hafele, please call 715.839.8477.
