“We have available space in our
building,” said Free Clinic board president Deonna Crouterfield.
“And the pantry needs a home, so it makes perfect sense. We support
anything that helps the community.”
Boyne Area Free Clinic is an
independent nonprofit community organization committed to providing
basic medical care to those who do not otherwise have access to such
services. Its mission is to
provide health care, with
respect and dignity, to under-served Charlevoix County residents, with
the help of qualified medical volunteers and staff.
The Good Neighbors Food Pantry of Boyne
City recently formed to help improve access to healthy foods for
families in need. Before opening its doors, the pantry will be busy
preparing its new space at the Free Clinic.
According to Susan Conklin, the work
involves things like painting and installing or building shelving.
Community involvement is sought for these improvements, as well as
volunteers to help with the pantry operations.
For more information about Good
Neighbors Food Pantry or to volunteer, email
goodneighborsboyne@gmail.com,
or visit the Volunteer Connections page at CharEm United Way
(charemunitedway.com). Donations may be sent to Good Neighbors Food
Pantry, PO Box 35, Boyne City, MI 49712.
The Free
Clinic, which formed in 2007, is open every Friday from 8 a.m. to 4
p.m. Local physician Richard Mansfield, DO, serves as medical
director. The
Clinic is staffed by volunteers and provides services for acute
non-emergent conditions and primary care services to those
individuals that fall into the no-income or low income, no insurance
or under insured category.
The Free
Clinic has recently refurbished other areas of their building in
order to offer dental and vision screenings. Jennifer Larson, DDS,
will be performing basic dental screenings, as well as recommending
further treatment as necessary through referrals. Other dental
professionals are welcome to join the effort in providing screenings.
The Clinic is still seeking a
professional to provide vision screenings.
In addition to vision and dental
professionals, the clinic is seeking other medical professionals to
provide services. They also have openings on the board of directors,
and can always use volunteers in a variety of capacities. Donations
are also welcome.
For more information, contact the Free
Clinic at (231) 582-4605.
A benefit for the Free Clinic will be
held the Eagles Lodge in the fall. Watch for details later this
summer.
