resilience in the face of change
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2020 has been a difficult year for us all. From working remotely and home schooling, to foregoing visits with loved ones and trying to stay healthy, life took a toll. It has been a year filled with unexpected changes and challenges, and so much remains uncertain. But there is one thing I know for sure -- the Albrecht Free Clinic is strong and resilient thanks to our incredible team and generous donors who helped us navigate uncharted waters.
Closing the clinic in March due to COVID-19 was difficult because we knew the need for our services was greater than ever. Though our physical doors were closed, our staff, leadership, and volunteer providers quickly developed ways that we could serve our patients remotely. Through triage phone calls with dental and medical patients, we were able to keep people out of hospital emergency rooms. Outdoor prescription pick-ups allowed us to get necessary medications to our chronic care patients. Through the generous support of the West Bend Mutual Charitable Foundation, we were able to launch a telehealth platform which has been instrumental in providing care while keeping our staff, providers, and patients safe. An SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan helped see us through these very tough times, and enabled us to keep staff employed and focused on new ways to achieve our mission. Modifications to our services and the procurement of appropriate PPE allowed us to reopen in June, and although the clinic is full of activity, it is not yet business as usual. Telehealth services remain critical to serving symptomatic patients while keeping our staff and providers safe. Walk-in clinics are by appointment only and allowed only after a patient has passed a COVID-19 screening. Many of our volunteer providers, especially dentists, have not returned because of the demands of their own practices. Because most of our volunteers have not yet been called back, our staff is going above and beyond to ensure the needs of our patients are being met. It hasn't been easy, but I'm overwhelmed with pride for what we have been able to accomplish together. |
Without the Albrecht Free Clinic, thousands of uninsured men, women, and children would forego basic medical and dental care. The safety net of services we provide is more important than ever as the public health crisis continues. Those from low-income households have been hit especially hard. As unemployment rises, more individuals in Washington County are likely to lose access to healthcare. We anticipate a growing demand for the clinic's services in months to come.
Please help us strengthen the healthcare safety net we provide to those who need it most. We will be celebrating the clinic's 25th Anniversary in 2021, and though this year has been tough, I marvel at how much of Dr. Albrecht's dream has come true and cannot wait for what the future holds! It is because of people like you that we have been able to achieve so much, and there is so much more we can do together. On behalf of our board of directors, staff and volunteers, we wish you good health, happiness, and peace throughout the holiday season, and thank you for your commitment to building a healthy Washington County! With gratitude, Ruth E. Henkle Executive Director |
Give the Gift of Health
Click the photo to read the 2020 clinic update.
The Albrecht Free Clinic operates solely on the generous support from our donors. There are many ways that you can help keep Washington County healthy and vibrant:
Monetary Gifts
• Donate online via Paypal.
• Mail a check.
• Take advantage of your employer's gift matching program (if offered), and double your impact.
Directed Gifts
• Select the Albrecht Free Clinic as your charity of choice if you donate to a United Way Campaign.
• Include the Albrecht Free Clinic in your 2020 gifting plan if you have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
• Donate stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Contact us or your broker for details.
• Designate a memorial or tribute gift to honor a loved one. Also consider making a donation to celebrate a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or retirement!
• Leave a legacy by including the Albrecht Free Clinic in your estate planning.
The Gift of Service
• Become a volunteer! There is an immediate need for additional doctors and dentists. When we are able to welcome all volunteers back to the clinic, we will need additional help with office support, reception, translation and nursing. We believe everyone has a special talent that can make a big impact on the health of our community. Give us a call!
Monetary Gifts
• Donate online via Paypal.
• Mail a check.
• Take advantage of your employer's gift matching program (if offered), and double your impact.
Directed Gifts
• Select the Albrecht Free Clinic as your charity of choice if you donate to a United Way Campaign.
• Include the Albrecht Free Clinic in your 2020 gifting plan if you have a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
• Donate stocks, bonds, or mutual funds. Contact us or your broker for details.
• Designate a memorial or tribute gift to honor a loved one. Also consider making a donation to celebrate a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or retirement!
• Leave a legacy by including the Albrecht Free Clinic in your estate planning.
The Gift of Service
• Become a volunteer! There is an immediate need for additional doctors and dentists. When we are able to welcome all volunteers back to the clinic, we will need additional help with office support, reception, translation and nursing. We believe everyone has a special talent that can make a big impact on the health of our community. Give us a call!
Because of donors like you, the Albrecht Free Clinic has provided quality healthcare to our community's most vulnerable for nearly 25 years. Together, we can continue to make lasting change throughout Washington County.
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.
