Did you know you can donate your Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from your retirement plan to the Clinic tax free? Learn more about options for increasing your contributions in a tax efficient manner here: Qualified Charitable Distribution.
why support
a free clinic?
Have you or someone you know ever had to forego basic medical care due to lack of insurance or cost?
|
Without the Albrecht Free Clinic (AFC), thousands of uninsured men, women and children of Washington County would face this grim reality. Happily, with the generous support of our donors, the clinic has provided a welcome healthcare option to the uninsured and underinsured families in our community since 1996.
Recognizing that oral health is an essential and integral component of maintaining overall wellness we expanded our services to provide dental care in 2016. Our clinic is the only available dental safety net for low-income families in Washington County. More recently, we have expanded our services to provide mental and behavioral health services. Providing appropriate care to individuals with mental illness or substance abuse problems is a prevalent and growing challenge in our community, as it is across 
|
the State of Wisconsin and the U.S.A. Without insurance and financial resources, those suffering with substance abuse and mental health conditions would have nowhere to turn if this clinic did not exist.
We are committed to continuing to serve the growing healthcare needs of the uninsured and underinsured in our community as an independent, community-based nonprofit. To meet our commitment we need your support.Your contributions will: • Allow the most fragile and vulnerable members of our community to receive basic healthcare with dignity and respect. • Allow local hospital emergency department and urgent care clinics to serve as they were designed – to attend to the most critical patients – while our clinic attends to common illnesses and chronic care such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. • Enable us to provide medical and dental care for acute and chronic conditions at a much lower per treatment cost than traditional facilities. • Encourage our patients to seek and enable them to receive basic treatment and preventative care, improving their quality of life and reducing the incidence of serious health problems requiring expensive, unfunded emergency and/or hospital care. Please help us sustain and strengthen the healthcare safety net we provide to those in our community who need it most. This year we are highlighting several ways to give and sincerely hope you will take advantage of these convenient options. On behalf of our staff and volunteers, thank you for all your past support and your continuing care for your community. With gratitude, Ruth E. Henkle Executive Director |
Ways to Give
Give the gift of health. Make an impact in your community.
|
Whether this is your first gift to the clinic or one among many, we’re here to help you find ways to give that work best for you. Consider the following:
• Visit us at albrechtfreeclinic.org and give a one-time or recurring installment gift by clicking on the Donate button. • Send us a check. • Does your employer or fraternal organization have a matching gift program? If so, please ask them to consider matching your gift for double the impact. • If your employer is a participant in United Way campaigns, please select us as your charity of choice. We are a United Way agency! • If you are taking a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA this year, consider an IRA Charitable Rollover Gift. • Donate stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Call us for information. • If you have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), include the clinic in your 2019 gifting plans. • Give of your time and volunteer with us! Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Each year medical professionals including doctors, nurses, dentists, hygienists, and other volunteers donate their precious time and talent to improving the health of those in need in our community. • Designate a memorial or tribute gift to honor friends and loved ones. Gifts may also be made in celebration of special occasions such as a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or retirement. • Ensure that your giving continues for future impact. Think about including us in your estate planning and leave a legacy that reflects those things that matter most. Call us for information. |
With the help of donors like you, Albrecht Free Clinic has done what it does best for nearly 25 years – care for your community as part of your community. A sincere thank you to all!
your gifts to AFC
brought wellness and a beautiful new smile to Joanne
Joanne is among the working uninsured in our community. For the first time, her previously undiagnosed diabetes is under control and…she has a bright, new smile to boot!
Imagine thinking you are seriously ill and feeling you have nowhere to go to seek care. Such was the case with Joanne in February of this year when she walked into our clinic. Add to that her concern that “she would be snubbed because she couldn’t pay” and you begin to understand the stress and discomfort she had. At the time, Joanne had no idea her future would take such a positive turn on that day. She later said her first visit was “a wonderful experience and the staff were so helpful and friendly.”
Joanne had been working full time and lost her job. Her employer did not offer benefits. A friend told Joanne about the clinic and suggested she visit. She said she “just didn’t feel good…and had lost 20 pounds without trying.” Following an exam by Dr. Gill and the completion of lab work, Joanne was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and started on oral medication. Follow-up appointments were scheduled with her for chronic care management including visits with Judy Held, the clinic’s volunteer diabetic nurse educator. Joanne was also referred to Dr. Brueggeman for a dental exam.
Chronic Care Management
Through Judy, Joanne learned how to manage her diabetes including how to eat right and follow a healthy diet – a critical step for improving her overall wellness. Joanne later said “Judy was wonderful and she helped me. I just listened.”
In late March, during one of Joanne’s regularly scheduled chronic care appointments, Dr. Muth detected changes in her eyes due to high blood sugar – a common occurrence associated with diabetes that can lead to partial vision loss and even blindness. Joanne was placed on a close follow-up schedule with the clinic and insulin was started in early May. By early June, her lab results had remarkably improved and she was feeling better. Joanne is currently stabilized on medication with follow-up every three months.
She gratefully credits the clinic with her improvement and Dr. Muth praises Joanne for taking charge of her life and working with them in such a positive way. He said “the joy of what we do is when we see a patient who does more than their fair share to make things work. She did that! She listened, was proactive, and has a better life because of it.”
Dental Rehabilitation
Simultaneously at the clinic, Joanne’s dental exam and hygiene appointment in March confirmed that several teeth were beyond repair and causing her pain, infection, and chewing problems. Healthy teeth and gums were fundamental to Joanne’s overall wellness and self-esteem. Following Dr. Brueggeman’s treatment for Joanne’s pain and infection, she met with Dr. Porter at the clinic and they began the process of extracting her damaged teeth and preparing for dentures (a service added at the clinic in August, 2018 thanks to generous donors).
This August, Joanne got her new teeth and she said that while it “has taken a long time to get used to them, they are beautiful.” She further indicated that she “had never been so comfortable with a dentist in her life!”
Fast Forward to Today
Joanne is back working full time and thrilled to be able to feel happy, healthy, and SMILE! She says, “the clinic changed my life and I know I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the clinic.” Thank you, Joanne, for joining hands with our team in such a serious, devoted, life-changing partnership on the road to wellness. It is so heartwarming to hear that our patients appreciate what we are doing!
Joanne had been working full time and lost her job. Her employer did not offer benefits. A friend told Joanne about the clinic and suggested she visit. She said she “just didn’t feel good…and had lost 20 pounds without trying.” Following an exam by Dr. Gill and the completion of lab work, Joanne was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and started on oral medication. Follow-up appointments were scheduled with her for chronic care management including visits with Judy Held, the clinic’s volunteer diabetic nurse educator. Joanne was also referred to Dr. Brueggeman for a dental exam.
Chronic Care Management
Through Judy, Joanne learned how to manage her diabetes including how to eat right and follow a healthy diet – a critical step for improving her overall wellness. Joanne later said “Judy was wonderful and she helped me. I just listened.”
In late March, during one of Joanne’s regularly scheduled chronic care appointments, Dr. Muth detected changes in her eyes due to high blood sugar – a common occurrence associated with diabetes that can lead to partial vision loss and even blindness. Joanne was placed on a close follow-up schedule with the clinic and insulin was started in early May. By early June, her lab results had remarkably improved and she was feeling better. Joanne is currently stabilized on medication with follow-up every three months.
She gratefully credits the clinic with her improvement and Dr. Muth praises Joanne for taking charge of her life and working with them in such a positive way. He said “the joy of what we do is when we see a patient who does more than their fair share to make things work. She did that! She listened, was proactive, and has a better life because of it.”
Dental Rehabilitation
Simultaneously at the clinic, Joanne’s dental exam and hygiene appointment in March confirmed that several teeth were beyond repair and causing her pain, infection, and chewing problems. Healthy teeth and gums were fundamental to Joanne’s overall wellness and self-esteem. Following Dr. Brueggeman’s treatment for Joanne’s pain and infection, she met with Dr. Porter at the clinic and they began the process of extracting her damaged teeth and preparing for dentures (a service added at the clinic in August, 2018 thanks to generous donors).
This August, Joanne got her new teeth and she said that while it “has taken a long time to get used to them, they are beautiful.” She further indicated that she “had never been so comfortable with a dentist in her life!”
Fast Forward to Today
Joanne is back working full time and thrilled to be able to feel happy, healthy, and SMILE! She says, “the clinic changed my life and I know I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the clinic.” Thank you, Joanne, for joining hands with our team in such a serious, devoted, life-changing partnership on the road to wellness. It is so heartwarming to hear that our patients appreciate what we are doing!
Dr. Donald Muth & Joanne
|
|
medical team updates
Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, a compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Dr. Robert Gibson, Alissa Mosal & Dr. Gary Herdrich
This year ushered in an exciting period of transition at the clinic. While some of the names and faces are changing, we are positioning ourselves for even greater demand for our services. Leading the way, we have a remarkable trio of physicians who along with our Clinical Supervisor, Alissa Mosal, have been working together and deepening care coordination to improve the lives of our patients.
Dr. Robert Gibson has been our amazing Medical Director for 13 years and a volunteer since 1997. He handed over the reigns as director in July 2019 and we are thrilled that he has stayed on with us as a volunteer. Dr. Gibson also retired from his private practice in July and changing hats at AFC fit perfectly with his life-plan. He has a strong interest in Lifestyle Medicine which is an approach that uses “evidence-based behavioral interventions to treat and manage chronic diseases related to lifestyle.” Over the years, we’ve seen so much chronic illness in our patients. Healthy changes in diet, physical activity, stress management, social support and other factors often alleviate the symptoms of chronic illness and, sometimes, reverse the disease for the patient. This lets our patients get on with life. Dr. Gibson is a compassionate coach and mentor for patient well-being. Additionally, he has continued his role with the Treatment and Alternatives Diversion (TAD) program of which our clinic is a member. This is a program developed to treat opiate dependent patients. Thank you Dr. Gibson!
Dr. Gary Herdrich has volunteered at the clinic since it opened in 1996. He practices in the Froedtert and MCW health network. Dr. Herdrich took the reigns as our new Medical Director in July and credits our founder, Dr. James E. Albrecht, for “making him want to go into Family Medicine.” In fact, he was an extern for Dr. Albrecht during his first two years in medical school and he practiced with Albrecht the first 10 years of his career. Dr. Herdrich says “it is an honor to be back doing Dr. Albrecht’s mission” in the role of Medical Director, to which we say “Thanks for stepping up, Dr. Herdrich!”
Dr. Frank McCann has volunteered at the clinic since 2017. He is a West Bend resident who has been an Advocate Aurora physician practicing in Menomonee Falls since 1993. Dr. McCann has taken on the newly created role of Associate Medical Director for the clinic. Creating this role has allowed us to better navigate care between our two partner health systems (Advocate Aurora and Froedtert) since we have physician representation from both systems within our clinic. Elevating him to this role also provides us with a back-up plan when the Medical Director is unavailable. Thank you Dr. McCann!
Clinical Supervisor Alissa Mosal sums it up perfectly by saying “I have the best of both worlds. I can continue to work alongside Dr. Gibson as well as work with Dr. Herdrich on the more day-to-day clinical care needs of our patients. Having Dr. McCann join us as the Associate Medical Director gives us greater depth for care coordination.’’ Alissa has been with us for over 8 years. Thank you Alissa!
As you can see, we are in great hands with our talented and dedicated medical leadership team. We are grateful for their past contributions and exemplary teamwork leading us into the future.
Dr. Robert Gibson has been our amazing Medical Director for 13 years and a volunteer since 1997. He handed over the reigns as director in July 2019 and we are thrilled that he has stayed on with us as a volunteer. Dr. Gibson also retired from his private practice in July and changing hats at AFC fit perfectly with his life-plan. He has a strong interest in Lifestyle Medicine which is an approach that uses “evidence-based behavioral interventions to treat and manage chronic diseases related to lifestyle.” Over the years, we’ve seen so much chronic illness in our patients. Healthy changes in diet, physical activity, stress management, social support and other factors often alleviate the symptoms of chronic illness and, sometimes, reverse the disease for the patient. This lets our patients get on with life. Dr. Gibson is a compassionate coach and mentor for patient well-being. Additionally, he has continued his role with the Treatment and Alternatives Diversion (TAD) program of which our clinic is a member. This is a program developed to treat opiate dependent patients. Thank you Dr. Gibson!
Dr. Gary Herdrich has volunteered at the clinic since it opened in 1996. He practices in the Froedtert and MCW health network. Dr. Herdrich took the reigns as our new Medical Director in July and credits our founder, Dr. James E. Albrecht, for “making him want to go into Family Medicine.” In fact, he was an extern for Dr. Albrecht during his first two years in medical school and he practiced with Albrecht the first 10 years of his career. Dr. Herdrich says “it is an honor to be back doing Dr. Albrecht’s mission” in the role of Medical Director, to which we say “Thanks for stepping up, Dr. Herdrich!”
Dr. Frank McCann has volunteered at the clinic since 2017. He is a West Bend resident who has been an Advocate Aurora physician practicing in Menomonee Falls since 1993. Dr. McCann has taken on the newly created role of Associate Medical Director for the clinic. Creating this role has allowed us to better navigate care between our two partner health systems (Advocate Aurora and Froedtert) since we have physician representation from both systems within our clinic. Elevating him to this role also provides us with a back-up plan when the Medical Director is unavailable. Thank you Dr. McCann!
Clinical Supervisor Alissa Mosal sums it up perfectly by saying “I have the best of both worlds. I can continue to work alongside Dr. Gibson as well as work with Dr. Herdrich on the more day-to-day clinical care needs of our patients. Having Dr. McCann join us as the Associate Medical Director gives us greater depth for care coordination.’’ Alissa has been with us for over 8 years. Thank you Alissa!
As you can see, we are in great hands with our talented and dedicated medical leadership team. We are grateful for their past contributions and exemplary teamwork leading us into the future.
the needs go on -
help us continue the caring
Your contribution will help us continue to save and sustain lives. It offers hope to those in need. You have our heartfelt gratitude and your investment in our patients will pay dividends for a lifetime.
