To provide quality primary health care (medical and dental) services, complemented by health promotion and disease prevention programs, to the uninsured and underinsured poor.
The clinic focuses on meeting the following goals:
The clinic operates on the philosophy that access to quality health care is a right of every individual without regard to personal finances or insurance status. West Virginia Health Right exists specifically as an expression of the community’s desire to provide basic health care services to the uninsured poor in a caring and supportive environment.
A set of core principles guide the work of the clinic: free medical, dental and pharmacy services; health education; volunteerism and community support; leveraging funds; patient responsibility for health status; and treating all patients with respect and dignity.
West Virginia Health Right was created in 1982 by a small group of volunteer physicians and nurses who recognized the need for a source of ongoing heath care for low-income uninsured, many of which were homeless. The idea has grown to a free clinic that today serves 17,500 patients. The clinic provides medical, dental and pharmacy services that in FY 2005 were valued at $38 million, including $26 million in prescription drugs. More than 450 medical, dental and pharmacy professionals, along with community members, volunteer at West Virginia Health Right.
A volunteer from the Marshall University Dietician Program provides free nutritional counseling services to EMO patients, upon referral by the medical providers. The clinic also provides weekly psychological counseling services.
West Virginia Health Right strives to meet the medical, dental and prescription needs of its patients by providing an array of services to the low-income, uninsured. Emphasis is placed on comprehensive care to include not only acute but chronic problems.
On-site services include primary medical and dental care, including medications, diagnosis, preventive health care and patient education. Diagnostic services, such as x-rays and scans, are provided off-site at no cost to the patient. Patients also have access to every medical specialty at the clinic or at the specialists’ office.
West Virginia Health Right cares for adults who have no health insurance and cannot afford to pay for medical or dental care. Any uninsured or underinsured resident of south-central West Virginia who family income falls below the Federal Poverty Level is eligible for medical and dental services free of charge, including medications.
Patricia H. White, Administrator
1520 Washington Street East
Charleston, WV 25311
Phone: 304-343-7003
32 counties in southern centeral West Virginia
Weekdays
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Monday & Thursday Extended Hours
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday Clinics are offered for specialty services and by appointment only.
