{"id":77,"date":"2015-08-03T16:59:15","date_gmt":"2015-08-03T16:59:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/fyp.nld.mybluehost.me\/?page_id=77"},"modified":"2025-06-06T03:23:03","modified_gmt":"2025-06-06T03:23:03","slug":"about-us","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/?page_id=77","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

Our Goals<\/h2>\n

To have a freestanding, financially viable, community supported clinic staffed by employees and volunteers to provide health and pharmacy services to indigent patients.<\/p>\n

Tener una cl\u00ednica independiente, econ\u00f3micamente viable y apoyada por la comunidad, atendida por empleados y voluntarios para proporcionar servicios de salud y farmacia a pacientes indigentes.<\/p>\n

Mission Statement<\/h2>\n

To improve healthcare access for low-income, uninsured residents of Carroll, Grayson, or City of Galax demonstrating the value of community collaboration in an accountable healthcare project that utilizes the charitable gifts of a network of voluntary providers.<\/p>\n

Para mejorar el acceso a la atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica para los residentes de Carroll, Grayson o la ciudad de Galax de bajos ingresos y sin seguro, demostrando el valor de la colaboraci\u00f3n comunitaria en un proyecto de atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica responsable que utiliza las donaciones caritativas de una red de proveedores voluntarios.<\/p>\n

History<\/h2>\n

Baptist Medical Clinic first opened August 3, 1992 and was incorporated June 1993. Family physician, Ohlen R. Wilson, became convinced that a free clinic would be a worthwhile ministry in the Galax area. Pastor Carroll Golden and the deacons of the First Baptist Church joined him in his quest. The planning committee met for a year, and another year was spent preparing for it.<\/p>\n

La Cl\u00ednica M\u00e9dica Bautista abri\u00f3 por primera vez el 3 de agosto de 1992 y se incorpor\u00f3 en junio de 1993. El m\u00e9dico familiar, Ohlen R. Wilson, se convenci\u00f3 de que una cl\u00ednica gratuita ser\u00eda un ministerio valioso en el \u00e1rea de Galax. El pastor Carroll Golden y los di\u00e1conos de la Primera Iglesia Bautista se unieron a \u00e9l en su b\u00fasqueda. El comit\u00e9 de planificaci\u00f3n se reuni\u00f3 durante un a\u00f1o y se dedic\u00f3 otro a\u00f1o a prepararlo.<\/p>\n

Who We Are<\/h2>\n

Providers<\/h4>\n

Dr. Leo Carter<\/p>\n

Bonnie Taylor,\u00a0 NP<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Medical Director<\/h4>\n
\"Dr.

Dr. Robert Pryor<\/p><\/div>\n

Dr. Robert Pryor has been an internal medicine physician in Galax since 1989. He is currently employed by Carilion Internal Medicine of Galax and is Medical Director of the Free Clinic of the Twin Counties. Dr. Pryor and Dr. Ohlen Wilson started the Free Clinic in 1992 as a ministry of First Baptist Church of Galax. Since then, the Free Clinic has become a service of and to the entire Twin County area. Dr. Pryor was born in Texas and attended Baylor University, Baylor College of Medicine, and Duke University Medical Center Residency in Internal Medicine. He is board certified in internal medicine. He and his wife, Susan, have three adult children.<\/p>\n

El Dr. Robert Pryor ha sido m\u00e9dico de medicina interna en Galax desde 1989. Actualmente es empleado de Carilion Internal Medicine of Galax y es director m\u00e9dico de la Cl\u00ednica gratuita de los condados gemelos. El Dr. Pryor y el Dr. Ohlen Wilson comenzaron la Cl\u00ednica Gratuita en 1992 como un ministerio de la Primera Iglesia Bautista de Galax. Desde entonces, la Cl\u00ednica Gratuita se ha convertido en un servicio de y para toda el \u00e1rea del Condado de Twin. El Dr. Pryor naci\u00f3 en Texas y asisti\u00f3 a la Universidad de Baylor, la Facultad de Medicina de Baylor y la Residencia en Medicina Interna del Centro M\u00e9dico de la Universidad de Duke. Est\u00e1 certificado por la junta en medicina interna. \u00c9l y su esposa, Susan, tienen tres hijos adultos.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Executive Director<\/h4>\n
\"Melissa

Melissa Munton<\/p><\/div>\n

Melissa Munton recently moved into the Twin County area and brings 14 plus years of management experience. She received two bachelor\u2019s degrees in biology and chemistry as well as a certificate in Biotechnology. She comes from a versatile background which included time in immunology product manufacturing, academia, and most recently clinic management for LifePoint health system. Her family includes her husband David, two boys and various animals, In their spare time they love being outdoors and anything sport related. As a grandchild of migrant workers, she is excited to bring her passion, knowledge, and commitment to the twin county communities.<\/p>\n

Melissa Munton se mud\u00f3 recientemente al \u00e1rea de Twin County y aporta m\u00e1s de 14 a\u00f1os de experiencia gerencial. Recibi\u00f3 dos t\u00edtulos de licenciatura en biolog\u00eda y qu\u00edmica, as\u00ed como un certificado en Biotecnolog\u00eda. Tiene una experiencia vers\u00e1til que incluy\u00f3 tiempo en la fabricaci\u00f3n de productos de inmunolog\u00eda, el mundo acad\u00e9mico y, m\u00e1s recientemente, la gesti\u00f3n cl\u00ednica del sistema de salud LifePoint. Su familia incluye a su marido David, dos ni\u00f1os y varios animales. En su tiempo libre les encanta estar al aire libre y todo lo relacionado con el deporte. Como nieta de trabajadores migrantes, le entusiasma aportar su pasi\u00f3n, conocimiento y compromiso a las comunidades de los condados gemelos.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

President<\/h4>\n
\"Meagan

Meagan Helmick<\/p><\/div>\n

Meagan has lived in the Twin Counties full time since 2018, but has been a part time resident since 2012. She has been active in various non-profits in the area, including Grayson LandCare, Food Independence, and the Medical Reserve Corps. Her family includes her husband Ches, and their two mastiffs (Mya and Warren) and their great dane (Ida Mae). She enjoys hiking and traveling to different countries. She is a regional epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Health. She has been a member of the Board for 3 years. After graduating from Liberty University with a BS in Health Promotion and an MPH in Nutrition she went on to earn a PhD in health promotion and disease prevention research at UNMC. In addition to working at VDH she also teaches as an adjunct at Old Dominion University.<\/p>\n

Meagan ha vivido en los condados gemelos a tiempo completo desde 2018, pero ha sido residente a tiempo parcial desde 2012. Ha estado activa en varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro en el \u00e1rea, incluidas Grayson LandCare, Food Independence y Medical Reserve Corps. Su familia incluye a su esposo Ches y sus dos mastines (Mya y Warren) y su gran dan\u00e9s (Ida Mae). Le gusta hacer senderismo y viajar a diferentes pa\u00edses. Es epidemi\u00f3loga regional del Departamento de Salud de Virginia. Ha sido miembro de la Junta durante 3 a\u00f1os. Despu\u00e9s de graduarse de Liberty University con una licenciatura en Promoci\u00f3n de la Salud y un MPH en Nutrici\u00f3n, obtuvo un doctorado en promoci\u00f3n de la salud e investigaci\u00f3n de prevenci\u00f3n de enfermedades en UNMC. Adem\u00e1s de trabajar en VDH, tambi\u00e9n ense\u00f1a como adjunta en la Universidad Old Dominion.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vice President<\/h4>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Bart Taylor<\/p><\/div>\n

Bart Taylor grew up in Central Illinois. He graduated with a degree in Healthcare Administration from Milligan College in Tennessee. He has lived in the Twin County\/Hillsville area since 2006 and worked in several different Healthcare positions including TCRH, Tri-Area Health, and currently with Lifepoint Healthcare as a Financial analyst. He is married to Amber and has 5 children currently but has fostered over 25 kids over the past 15 years. He loves to read, travel and watch Hokie Football. He volunteers at Crosswalk Church in Wytheville, and God\u2019s Storehouse Soup kitchen in Galax considering faith and service to others an integral part of his life mission. He feels privileged to be able to join the board and work to provide access to healthcare for the residents of the Twin Counties and Galax.<\/p>\n

Bart Taylor creci\u00f3 en el centro de Illinois. Se gradu\u00f3 con un t\u00edtulo en Administraci\u00f3n de Atenci\u00f3n M\u00e9dica de Milligan College en Tennessee. Ha vivido en el \u00e1rea de Twin County\/Hillsville desde 2006 y ha trabajado en varios puestos en el sector de la salud, incluyendo TCRH, Tri-Area Health y, actualmente, en Lifepoint Healthcare como analista financiero. Est\u00e1 casado con Amber y tiene cinco hijos, pero ha acogido a m\u00e1s de 25 ni\u00f1os en los \u00faltimos 15 a\u00f1os. Le encanta leer, viajar y ver el f\u00fatbol americano de los Hokies. Es voluntario en Crosswalk Church en Wytheville y en la cocina comunitaria God\u2019s Storehouse en Galax, ya que considera la fe y el servicio a los dem\u00e1s como una parte fundamental de su misi\u00f3n de vida. Se siente privilegiado de poder unirse a la junta y trabajar para brindar acceso a la atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica a los residentes de Twin Counties y Galax.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Secretary<\/h4>\n
\"Rhonda<\/a>

Rhonda Roberts<\/p><\/div>\n

Rhonda Roberts is a life-long resident of Carroll County. She obtained her Associates Degree in Nursing from Wytheville Community College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing at King University in Bristol, TN. Rhonda is employed by Twin County Regional Hospital where she serves as the Director of Case Management and Utilization Review. She is also a certified CPR instructor. Rhonda lives in the Coal Creek Community with her husband, John. She has two daughters, Meriden and Morgan, who attend college at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia.<\/p>\n

Rhonda Roberts es una residente de toda la vida del condado de Carroll. Obtuvo su Grado Asociado en Enfermer\u00eda de Wytheville Community College y una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Enfermer\u00eda de King University en Bristol, TN. Rhonda es empleada del Twin County Regional Hospital, donde se desempe\u00f1a como Directora de Administraci\u00f3n de Casos y Revisi\u00f3n de Utilizaci\u00f3n. Tambi\u00e9n es instructora certificada de RCP. Rhonda vive en la comunidad de Coal Creek con su esposo, John. Tiene dos hijas, Meriden y Morgan, que asisten a la universidad en Virginia Tech y la Universidad de Virginia.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Treasurer<\/h4>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Sheila Key<\/p><\/div>\n

Sheila Key is a Grayson County native and cares about the wellbeing of her community and fellow citizens. She joined the Free Clinic board in the early 2000’s and served as Secretary through 2021. She is employed by Vaughan-Bassett Furniture and attends Haven of Rest Bible Church. She served three terms on the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education and currently sits on the Galax High School’s CTE\/STEM committee. Sheila enjoys fitness and being outdoors.<\/p>\n

Sheila Key es nativa del condado de Grayson y se preocupa por el bienestar de su comunidad y sus conciudadanos. Se uni\u00f3 a la junta de Free Clinic a principios de la d\u00e9cada de 2000 y se desempe\u00f1\u00f3 como secretaria hasta 2021. Trabaja en Vaughan-Bassett Furniture y asiste a Haven of Rest Bible Church. Sirvi\u00f3 tres per\u00edodos en la Fundaci\u00f3n Galax para la Excelencia en la Educaci\u00f3n y actualmente forma parte del comit\u00e9 CTE\/STEM de Galax High School. A Sheila le gusta hacer ejercicio y estar al aire libre.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Additional Board Members<\/h4>\n
\"Michael

Michael Dolinger<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cHello, I’m Michael Dolinger, and I’m honored to join the team at the free clinic. As a dedicated and compassionate professional, I bring a strong passion for serving others. With a Bachelor of Science in Human Services, I’ve had the privilege of working as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC-S) at the Galax Life Center, helping individuals overcome addiction and find hope.<\/p>\n

In addition to my work in substance abuse recovery, I also serve as the Youth Pastor at Generations Church, where I’m committed to inspiring and guiding the next generation.On a personal note, I’m grateful for the love and support of my wonderful family. I’ve been blessed with three amazing children and have been married to my beautiful wife, Samantha Dolinger, for 13 incredible years.<\/p>\n

I’m excited to bring my expertise and passion to the free clinic, and I look forward to serving our community together.”<\/p>\n

Hola, soy Michael Dolinger y me siento honrado de unirme al equipo de la cl\u00ednica gratuita. Como un profesional dedicado y compasivo, tengo una gran pasi\u00f3n por servir a los dem\u00e1s. Con una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Servicios Humanos, he tenido el privilegio de trabajar como Consejero en Abuso de Sustancias (CSAC-S) en el Galax Life Center, ayudando a las personas a superar la adicci\u00f3n y encontrar esperanza.
\nAdem\u00e1s de mi trabajo en la recuperaci\u00f3n del abuso de sustancias, tambi\u00e9n sirvo como Pastor de J\u00f3venes en Generations Church, donde me comprometo a inspirar y guiar a la pr\u00f3xima generaci\u00f3n.<\/p>\n

En lo personal, estoy agradecido por el amor y el apoyo de mi maravillosa familia. He sido bendecido con tres hijos incre\u00edbles y llevo 13 a\u00f1os casado con mi hermosa esposa, Samantha Dolinger.<\/p>\n

Estoy emocionado de aportar mi experiencia y pasi\u00f3n a la cl\u00ednica gratuita, y espero con entusiasmo servir juntos a nuestra comunidad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Evan Henck<\/p><\/div>\n

Evan and his wife, Leah, live in the City of Galax with their 3 children. Evan serves as the Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney for Grayson County and was elected to the Galax City Council in 2022. He enjoys contributing to the Free Clinic of the Twin Counties because he believes everyone should be able to access affordable healthcare.<\/p>\n

Evan y su esposa, Leah, viven en la Ciudad de Galax con sus 3 hijos. Evan se desempe\u00f1a como Fiscal Adjunto Jefe de la Commonwealth para el condado de Grayson y fue elegido miembro del Concejo Municipal de Galax en 2022. Le gusta contribuir a la Cl\u00ednica gratuita de los condados gemelos porque cree que todos deber\u00edan poder acceder a una atenci\u00f3n m\u00e9dica asequible.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Debbie Wright<\/p><\/div>\n

Debbie and her husband, Bob, reside in the City of Galax. They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren and are avid campers who love meeting new people. Debbie is an active member of Cliffview Church, where she served as the Children’s\/Youth Pastor until 2024. She currently enjoys working with the Strengthening Families Program through Mt. Rogers. Debbie loves the Galax, Carroll, and Grayson communities and feels it is important to use the talents and abilities God has given her to serve her community.<\/p>\n

Debbie y su esposo, Bob, residen en la ciudad de Galax. Disfrutan pasar tiempo con sus hijos y nietos, y son campistas entusiastas a quienes les encanta conocer nuevas personas. Debbie es miembro activa de la iglesia Cliffview, donde sirvi\u00f3 como pastora de Ni\u00f1os\/J\u00f3venes hasta el a\u00f1o 2024. Actualmente, disfruta trabajar con el Programa de Fortalecimiento de Familias a trav\u00e9s de Mt. Rogers. Debbie ama las comunidades de Galax, Carroll y Grayson, y siente que es importante usar los talentos y habilidades que Dios le ha dado para servir a su comunidad.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dr. Brijesh Patel<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Are you interested in joining the Board of Directors? Fill out this application<\/a><\/span><\/strong> and we’ll reach out to you!<\/h2>\n

\u00bfEst\u00e1s interesado en formar parte de la Junta Directiva? \u00a1Llena esta solicitud<\/a><\/span><\/strong> y nos pondremos en contacto contigo!<\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Our Goals To have a freestanding, financially viable, community supported clinic staffed by employees and volunteers to provide health and pharmacy services to indigent patients. Tener una cl\u00ednica independiente, econ\u00f3micamente viable y apoyada por la comunidad, atendida por empleados y voluntarios para proporcionar servicios de salud y farmacia a pacientes indigentes. Mission Statement To improve… Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":3,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"page-templates\/page-right.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-77","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/77","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=77"}],"version-history":[{"count":54,"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/77\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":631,"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/77\/revisions\/631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/galaxfreeclinic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=77"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}