Upcoming Grand Opening Celebration
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director – United Way of Charlotte County
Making Charlotte County better and serving our community is always exciting to me. Identifying new ways to reach out to others, then making it a reality is part of what makes working with nonprofits so meaningful in Charlotte County. This is my home and making improvements is always a bonus.
United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) has had a long-standing partnership with Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (VBA). For many years, UWCC has funded programs and worked closely on projects with VBA. The team at VBA is outstanding and fantastic in our community. We are lucky to have this clinic in Charlotte County and some exciting news is that it is only getting better.
The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its New 33ft Coach Mobile Medical Clinic, a groundbreaking initiative made possible by a generous grant of $750,000 from the Board of Charlotte County Commissioners. Equipped with two state-of the-art treatment rooms, limited pharmacy, staffed with Driver(s), APRN, RN & Volunteers.
The Mobile Medical Clinic will expand healthcare to uninsured populations across Charlotte County. This initiative is designed to overcome barriers such as lack of transportation, limited access healthcare services, and financial constraints that can hinder patients’ access to healthcare services. The program aims to provide quality healthcare services to those in need, especially those who are still struggling from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Ultimately, providing patients access to the standing VBA medical clinic & pharmacy for ongoing healthcare services.
While UWCC is not currently funding the Mobile Medical Clinic, we certainly know that it will be a gamechanger to clients in Charlotte County. The vision for providing access to services and making it a priority is more than exciting. Huge thanks to the County Commissioners for helping to make this funding happen.
The Mobile Medical Clinic will launch services of April 1, 2024, and will be operational 5 days a week, providing a continuum of care for patients, with the specific intent to refer all patients to the standing VBA Clinic located at 21297 Olean Blvd Port Charlotte for follow up and ongoing medical care.
The launch of the Mobile Medical Clinic will provide preventative and primary care services outside of traditional healthcare settings. The aim is to reduce healthcare costs associated with emergency room visits and hospitalizations for preventable conditions. This will result in cost savings for both our community and our healthcare systems.
“We are thrilled to unveil our new Mobile Medical Clinic, which represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to expand access to healthcare services to those in need in Charlotte County. This initiative would not have been possible without the generous support of the Charlotte County Commissioners, whose investment will make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our community”. said Suzanne Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic.
The community is invited to join the Grand Opening celebration of the Mobile Medical Clinic which will take place on March 28th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic located at 21297 Olean Blvd. Port Charlotte, Florida. Additionally, everyone is welcome to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony which will be held in Englewood at Tringali Community Center Parking lot on April 18th from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
My sincere congratulations to the entire VBA team and CEO Suzanne Roberts on making this dream a reality.
Note, for those wanting to support our mission with their donations, the perfect opportunity is coming up on April 9-10, a 24-hour online matching Giving Challenge, click here.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.