For many Floridians, access to healthcare is an increasingly inaccessible service. Issues like the increasing cost of care, access to affordable health insurance, and legal risks facing non-citizens who seek emergency care plague the health systems in Florida and beyond. However, thanks to the vision and hard work of one Florida community, access to safe and affordable healthcare has arrived for the people of Point Washington, Florida.
In December of 2016, Dr. Patsy Vargo and Hillary Glenn, DNP, met for lunch, and by the end of their meal, a name, logo, and mission for a free clinic in Point Washington was born. Just three months later, on April 12, 2017, the Point Washington Medical Clinic saw their first patients on the campus of Point Washington United Methodist Church. Co-Founder and Executive Director, Hillary Glenn, reflected on the early days saying, “Things just fell into place—It had a mind of its own! We were gifted exam tables, clinic space, and serendipitous talent and introductions.” She continued, “We had no idea how large the need was. By 6 months in, we were seeing 20-30 patents every clinic day.”
Point Washington United Methodist Church is a part of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference.
The need for medical care in their community and surrounding areas grew rapidly when Hurricane Michael devastated the Gulf Coast in 2018. However, the Point Washington Medical Clinic quickly mobilized, setting up satellite clinics in Panama City, Florida, which remained open 7 days a week for 5 months. The Clinic served approximately 1,350 patients in Panama City, all using donated materials and connections. During their clinic operation in Panama City, the Point Washington Clinic continued its operations uninterrupted. By 2019, the Clinic expanded to 2 days a week, and by 2020, the Clinic was open 3 days a week, with one of those days dedicated to free, open-access COVID-19 testing. From there, the dream only continued to grow.
Point Washington UMC contributed to the mission and vision of the Medical Clinic by entering a land lease relationship, which will allow the clinic to open their new 4,700-square-foot, state-of-the-art medical clinic on a parcel of land held by PWUMC. This extremely valuable property will be given to the clinic at the cost of just $10 per year.
The newly completed clinic will offer primary care services, episodic visits, chronic disease management and education, on-site lab services, minor procedure capabilities, physicals and well checks, vaccine services, specialist referrals, and other general health maintenance services.
Since its inception, the clinic has seen over 16,000 patients, rendered over 3.5 million dollars in services provided, and saved local emergency rooms 5.9 million dollars in non-emergency visits. The 2.75-million-dollar clinic will continue to serve its patients, who are made up of 59% women, 24% pediatric patients, and 61% of whom have a household income less than $20,000. The clinic is supported by Point Washington United Methodist Church, as well as eight other congregations, 579 foundations, businesses, and independent supporters, and various grants offered through the Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and other organizations.
As the clinic celebrates its new facility, Rev. Persons encouraged, “Don’t underestimate what God can do with that one crazy idea—that thing that you think has no chance to succeed. Don’t underestimate the power of God at work through that!”
excerpt from a story by Rev. Kelli Hitchman-Craig, Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. A vital congregation is the body of Christ making and engaging disciples for the transformation of the world. Vital congregations are shaped by and witnessed through four focus areas: calling and shaping principled Christian leaders; creating and sustaining new places for new people; ministries with poor people and communities; and abundant health for all.
