Good Neighbor Medical Clinic
Collaborating to Help the WHOLE Person
story by CAROLINE GANT photos by JENNY PHILLIPS
In a world often dominated by headlines of soaring healthcare costs and inaccessible medical care, there is a shining beacon of hope – the Good Neighbor Medical Clinic (GNMC). Nestled in the heart of our community, this hidden gem has been making a profound impact on the lives of those who need it most.
Upon walking into GNMC, it was the exact opposite of what I thought a free clinic would be. I was impressed from the moment I stood at the front entrance, where applications for eligibility are located for the clinic. GNMC understands that the lack of internet access is a common barrier for those meeting the income requirement of staying within 250% of the federal poverty level. The preprinted applications in both English and Spanish are the first of many signs of compassion throughout the clinic. The lobby was cleaned and filled with plenty of chairs and a table where people often leave donations for patients to take at will. There is a patient resource center, where patients can talk to a Community Health Care Worker that is funded by AmeriCorps. This role helps the patient deal with any Social Determinants of Health and serves as a navigator to lead the patient to outside resources, when needed.
Reliable transportation can be a barrier to receiving care. Many patients come from low-income working families without benefits. GNMC’s patient population is not static; patients move in and out of eligibility for services as their employment and household circumstances change. The GNMC offers resources, such as transportation, hygiene kits, reading glasses, masks, feminine product kits, and patient education. If the patient has any barriers to care, the Community Health Worker will assist in finding them resources to address it. Many life events such as the loss of a job, eviction, raising of rent, and food insecurities influence health outcomes. Having a person to help navigate these situations can be a positive impact to a patient’s overall health long-term.
THE CREATION OF A COMPASSIONATE CLINIC
GNMC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization started in 2007, stemming from the “Operation Good Neighbor” movement by eight churches in downtown Beaufort. During this effort, lack of access to healthcare was identified as a growing need for our community. A group of concerned citizens stepped up and founded GNMC, with its first location on King Street. Quickly outgrowing the space, the clinic moved to Lady’s Island until a prime location on Ribaut Road adjacent to Beaufort Memorial Hospital became available. GNMC has continued to grow since its inception and now serves over 700 patients who live or work in Beaufort County.
The 2022 service numbers indicate the incredible impact the GNMC is having in our community:
• Provided $4.2 million in services and prescriptions at no charge to patients.
• Every $1 contributed /granted provides $8.34 in services for its patients.
• 24% increase in patients served over the previous year. The City of Beaufort has over 3,500 people living in poverty, and GNMC served over 20% of these people last year.
• 23% increase in referrals to specialty care.
GNMC is certified by the South Carolina Free Clinic Association and holds the highest accreditation, a Gold Seal, for the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.
THE UNSUNG HEROES
With only a small paid staff, GNMC relies heavily on volunteers to provide a medical home to eligible, low-income adults in our community. Peggy Place, a Volunteer RN, shares her thoughts about working at the clinic, “GNMC has meant a lot to me. It enables me to provide a beneficial service to my community by doing something I love. It affords me invaluable relationships with other volunteers, staff, and patients. I feel best when I have a purpose helping others; it also keeps my mind sharp.” GNMC prides itself on having a fantastic culture at the clinic that exemplifies its core values of Compassion, Collaboration, Faith, and Joy. Imagine going to a doctor’s office/clinic where EVERYONE wants to be there, and their singular goal is to help you stay healthy and active. GNMC is a place where a group of healthcare professionals come together with a shared vision to provide care the way they always wanted to, spending time with patients and encouraged to look for solutions even when the issues don’t seem to be medical.
A classic example of this is when Dr. Gray wrote a referral for a patient because she was getting evicted. GNMC worked with their partners at the United Way of the Lowcountry to get rental assistance to help the patient stay in her home through the holidays. With over 100 volunteers, including many who have dedicated their entire lives to the medical field, GNMC has a joyful and expert staff of volunteers ready to devote their time to helping our neighbors in need. A newly installed Volunteer Wall in the back of the clinic is dedicated to highlighting all of GNMC’s volunteers. “It is a true joy to be able to provide unencumbered medical care, with volunteering friends, for those in times of need during their life’s path,” says Medical Director Steven Kessel, MD.
Collaboration is a critical element of GNMC’s success. Executive Director Cassi Kilpatrick prides herself on the clinic’s ability to work with many partners to fulfill the needs of their patients and community. “So many individuals and organizations support the clinic’s mission,” Kilpatrick states. Some of the many collaborations are with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Access Health of the Lowcountry, Coastal Empire Mental Health Center, Welvista, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, Lowcountry Outreach, and over 20 more individual specialty care providers. These relationships are what allow GNMC to accomplish its mission.
HEALING THE WHOLE PERSON
GNMC’s most remarkable accomplishments come from helping the community. “Delsey McCrimmon, who has been a patient with GNMC for the past five years, said, “Good Neighbor means the world to me. I am so thankful I was introduced to the clinic and the wonderful people who work there. I have been able to get all my healthcare needs fulfilled with their help. I get mammograms, blood work, physical therapy for my knee, and mental health help that has helped me keep my job. I don’t think I would still be here without their help.” GNMC meets its patients where they are and empowers them to take control of their health by giving them the tools to access primary and specialty care. GNMC is not just providing preventative care but also finding cancers and other intricate issues. It’s no wonder that their patients have such rave reviews. Another patient, who has been with the clinic for about two years, said, “It means everything to me! It has been my salvation! I am grateful because I’ve been able to take care of my health. The clinic covered my surgery last year and provided me with checks and costs for my appointments. For this, I’m very grateful! If I had money, I would donate back to the clinic to help others!”
GNMC has found the recipe to make a difference in our community. Beaufort is so blessed to have this organization serving our neighbors in need with quality and compassionate medical care and so much more.
Eligibility info:
• Income not to exceed 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
• No insurance Medicare/Medicaid
• Live or work in Beaufort County
• Adult 18-65 years of age
How can you help?
Donate to the mission.
Your support is critical to allow GNMC to continue its work in our community.
Volunteer at the clinic.
Invest your time in helping to give back to the community. GNMC uses volunteers in all aspects of their work. The greatest volunteer need is for Doctors, Physician Assistants, LPNs, Pharmacists, and Nurses.
Spread the word.
Do you know someone who is uninsured and needs care? Tell them about GNMC.
gnfmcbeaufort.org
