Medical, dental care provided to needy residents

The board of directors for Fayette County’s free medical clinic is seeking financial support through tax-deductible donations.

The funds will be used for the Fayette CARE Clinic, which provides free medical and dental care to Fayette residents who are uninsured or underinsured. Donations are needed to fund the operation of the clinic and will be used to purchase medical and dental supplies, medications and cover other operating expenses.

Local physicians, dentists and medical staffers volunteer at the clinic.

The clinic opened May 1, and in its first 19 weeks, 444 patients were treated for problems such as hypertension, diabetes, tooth extractions, fillings and root canals, according to board president Gail McNair. During the same time period, the clinic provided medical services for 27 percent of the typical medical costs, said executive director Mary Ann Cox.

Donations can be made by cash, check or by credit card using Paypal at www.fayettecareclinic.com. All donations are immediately followed by a receipt. For more information call 770-487-4778 or visit www.fayettecareclinic.com.

The clinic recently expanded its service hours to include Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in addition to Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“This cost will continue to decline as we extend our operating hours. This means that we are able to provide primary medical and dental treatment for less than one-third the normal cost – stretching donations and helping more people.”

In addition to donations, the clinic also needs volunteers to help with the extended hours. Medical and dental professionals are needed in addition to individuals and organizations to help with general office services.

“Those of us who are blessed with medical insurance and good health should make the Fayette CARE Clinic one of the charities they routinely support,” says Chuck Micallef, member of the board. “Companies, churches, civic organizations and individuals need to give to help our neighbors in need of medical attention – especially the children. All donations go directly to help those here in Fayette County making this a very unique opportunity to help others.”

The clinic’s CARE moniker stands for “Compassion and Respect for Everyone.”