In This Issue
Our MissionTo facilitate the initiation, operation and collaboration of free medical clinics in the State of Iowa. Our Membership31 member clinics operating through the compassion of more than 900 volunteers providing over 12,000 patient visits annually. Contact UsFree Clinics of Iowa Wendy Gray, MS Joann Burgett, RN |
Senator Harkin Visits Free Clinics of IowaOn Friday, January 7th 2011, Senator Tom Harkin spent an hour with Free Clinics of Iowa representatives and discussed the plight of the uninsured, growth of Free Clinics of Iowa and concluded the visit with a tour of the Des Moines University mobile clinic (consistently utilized by several FCI members). Welcomed by Steve Dengle, FCI Board Treasurer and Interim President of Des Moines University and Dr. Steve Eckstat, FCI Board President and Medical Director, Senator Harkin met with FCI representatives in the President’s office at Des Moines University. Wendy Gray, Executive Director of FCI, provided a brief overview of the mission, membership and impact free clinics have throughout Iowa and FCI membership leaders provided testimonials from a community-based clinic perspective. Senator Harkin has initiated several Federal funding opportunities for Free Clinics of Iowa and we are sincerely grateful for his continued support, guidance and interest in serving the underserved throughout Iowa.
Reflecting Upon the Past 5 Years – Wendy Gray, MS: Executive DirectorAs 2010 came to a close, I took the opportunity to reflect upon our “little” organization’s growth over the past five years. In 2005, we pulled together our first annual report, finally capturing some sense of the impact our membership had in the greater health care delivery system in Iowa. I am confident that information took members of Iowa’s general assembly and many other health care industry leaders by surprise. Documenting impact has enabled us to establish ourselves as a legitimate and vital part of Iowa’s safety net. Now able to take full advantage of the State’s Vaccines for Children Program, Iowa Drug Repository Program, Volunteer Health Care Provider Program and Iowa Collaborative Safety Net Provider Network we have been able to serve our patients with greater resources and connections at our disposal. I remain in awe of the compassion, talent and dedication of more than 900 volunteers in greater than 30 communities across our great State, not to mention the community hospitals, pharmacies, health departments, churches, community centers and others that generously support their community free clinics with ancillary services, supplies, space and equipment. I am honored and proud to serve such a worthwhile initiative – thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to the road ahead!  
2010 Welcomed 6 New FCI MembersCongratulations to the following communities who successfully initiated free clinics and Welcome to Free Clinics of Iowa!
For more information about our membership, please visit www.freeclinicsofiowa.org. FCI Board Member Larry Severidt Named IAFP Medical Educator of the Year
FCI Membership ReminderSpring 2011 Clinic Managers MeetingSave The Date! Saturday, March 26, 2011 – More Information to Come! |
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Although new to his post as a Free Clinics of Iowa Board Member, free clinics are not new to Dr. Larry Severidt. He has been involved in the development of free clinics in Pella, Knoxville, Des Moines and Ames and has served as a volunteer physician and/or medical director in each. We are pleased to congratulate Dr. Severidt, recently honored by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians with the Medical Educator of the Year award. This award is given annually to recognize a physician who is providing outstanding quality in family practice education. Nominees are submitted by students, practicing physicians and educators. Dr. Severidt is the Director of the Family Practice Residency Program at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines and was nominated by a former resident.