Honoring its pledge to the underinsured and uninsured individuals in Athens-Clarke County and adjoining regions, the Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership’s Athens Free Clinic has achieved the remarkable accomplishment of providing over $1 million in healthcare since its inception in 2018. The Athens Free Clinic links Medical Partnership students and educators with various locations throughout the community to deliver primary care services.

“We would not have attained this achievement without our dedicated team of faculty physicians, nursing staff, medical students, undergraduate volunteers, community collaborators, and the backing of our medical school leadership,” remarked Dr. Suzanne Lester, the medical director of the Athens Free Clinic. “We have assisted community members in obtaining high-quality primary care without accumulating medical debt, and we have enhanced access to treatment for both acute and chronic health issues.”

Multiple team members play essential roles in arranging the schedules of healthcare providers, coordinating with community collaborators, and delivering medical services. Jeni Fitzpatrick acts as the registered nurse and teaching operations manager, Dr. Kate Meixner holds the position of assistant professor of family and community medicine, while Jen Brown serves as a registered nurse and teaching clinic coordinator.

Faculty and students from the Medical Partnership deliver primary healthcare at various local community partner locations, such as the Acceptance Recovery Center, Advantage Behavioral Health Systems, Bigger Vision Community Shelter, Cedar Shoals High School, Clarke Central High School, Clarke Middle Health Center, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Foothills Charter High School, Nuci’s Space, Pinewoods Community, Potter’s House, and Project Safe.

“In addition to providing more accessible healthcare within our community, I hope our services have played a role in empowering our communities regarding their healthcare and fostering greater trust in doctors,” stated Lester.

Since its establishment in 2018, over 330 medical students and 19 faculty members have facilitated more than 4,400 patient visits through the Athens Free Clinic.

“It is truly inspiring to see the significant difference our team is making in the Athens community,” expressed Fitzpatrick, who manages the program. “The ability to educate our medical students while concurrently providing complimentary medical care to the community is exceptionally gratifying.”

In February 2021, the Athens Free Clinic commenced the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations. Faculty and students distributed vaccines at the Department of Public Health, Athens Community Council on Aging, Potter’s House, Columbia Brookside, Bethel Village, and additional community venues. The clinic also collaborated with the Clarke County School District to provide vaccinations for faculty, staff, students, and families. Overall, nearly 4,000 vaccines were administered by the clinic.

“Since the Medical Partnership opened in 2010, one of our core objectives has been to serve the communities around us,” noted Dr. Shelley Nuss, campus dean. “I take great pride in the care offered by the Athens Free Clinic and the dedication demonstrated by our faculty and staff. It is heartening to witness the influence the Athens Free Clinic has had in making high-quality healthcare attainable for those in need.”

The next milestone for the Athens Free Clinic will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony this spring to celebrate the opening of the Clarke Middle Health Center’s permanent location.

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