Donations

History

The idea of a "free health clinic" occurred in late fall of 2000, with the desire of a group of concerned citizens to develop health care funding for the uninsured citizens of Hardin and LaRue counties who were seeking health care in the community with limited or no fiscal resources for their care.

After initial research, it became evident the local community would need to support a free clinic for it to become a reality. The concept was presented in June 2001 to a group of community leaders, to gauge the level of interest and support existing in the community and the response from the group was a resounding "Yes, let's move forward."

As interested individuals were identified and committees formed, an Action Plan and time table was developed. Development task began with a mission statement and determination of services, discovery and solution to various administrative issues, identification and training of an all-volunteer staff of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, lab and pharmacy technicians and clerical workers. And of course, there was the issue of funding.

Over the next nine months, an enormous amount of energy, enthusiasm, and hard work, plus the generosity of many people, enabled the presentation of the Community Health Clinic of Hardin and LaRue Counties at the Open House held on April 21, 2002. Eight patients were seen that first evening. In the following nine months, the Clinic had found a home in donated space at 1230 Woodland Drive, Elizabethtown. Dr. Syed Quadri and Dr. William Handley had accepted positions as co-medical directors. A Board of Directors composed of Terry Bennett, Dr. Handley, Dave Peterson, Dr. Quadri, Bryce Shumate, Linda Sims, and Bill Swope was formed.

A generous community began to donate financially and in many other ways and a cadre of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, and office staff volunteered their time and gifts. Early community sponsors included the Islamic Center, Hardin-LaRue County Medical Society and Hardin Memorial Hospital.

By early May 2002, 20-22 patients were being seen each Tuesday and Thursday evening and Dr. Quadri was quoted as saying, "We will be a busy clinic."

Many changes have occurred to the Community Health Clinic since that time. The first executive director accepted the only non-volunteer position at the clinic. The Dental Clinic saw its first Community Health Clinic patients in July 22, 2003 using the facilities at the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Dental Hygiene Program.

The Community Health Clinic is fortunate to have relationships with several community organizations, such as United Way of Central Kentucky, the Rotary and Lions Clubs and over the years they have made major commitments to support the clinic. The community has shown the value they place on the clinic by their continued generous support.