Practice (35-45 minutes)

Have each group read their section and answer the questions. Have them make sure that each member of the group writes down and understands the answer to the questions.

When they have completed their questions, have the students return to their original heterogeneous groups of four. Hand out complete copies of the brochure text and all the questions. In their groups, have the students share the answers to their reading section.

Evaluation (10 minutes)

Put up the KWL transparency and ask the students what they have learned about the clinic.

Group A New Free Clinic Offers Medical Care

History

In 1991, physicians with the Arlington County Medical Society were increasingly aware that the number of people needing free or low-cost medical care was growing. It was estimated that approximately 10% of the county's population of 185,000 people were low-income and without health insurance. Through the efforts of these physicians, a Steering Committee was formed in 1993 to evaluate the possibility of establishing a free clinic in Arlington.

At that time, Virginia had 20 free clinics in other communities around the state. It now has 29 clinics and each is designed with the specific needs of its community in mind. All are staffed by volunteer physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other community volunteers.

The Arlington Free Clinic opened its doors at Thomas Jefferson Middle School on January 11, 1994, treating people on that cold, wintry night. The Arna Valley Clinic site opened independently as a result of a grassroots community effort in November 1995, and became part of the Arlington Free Clinic in the fall of 1996.

The Free Clinic now treats approximately 75 people each week in its four clinics:

• General Medical at Thomas Jefferson
• Women's Health at Thomas Jefferson
• General Medical at Arna Valley
• Chronic Care at Thomas Jefferson

Group B New Free Clinic Offers Medical Care

Mission

Operated primarily by volunteers, the Arlington Free Clinic provides free medical services to low-income, uninsured Arlington County residents.

Volunteers

Nearly 50 volunteers work each week in the clinics including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physician's assistants, pharmacists, lab personnel and other non-medical people who act as receptionists, screeners and translators. Please call the Clinic if you are interested in becoming a volunteer.