Sequim Free Clinic’s Fun Walk exceeds goal

By Matthew Nash • September 12, 2018 1:30 am
Bill Baughman, Becky Morgan and Linda Christensen walk for Trinity United Methodist Church’s team during the 5K Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic’s Community Fun Walk on Sept. 8. The trio said it was their first time participating in the walk in a few years. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash
Bill Baughman, Becky Morgan and Linda Christensen walk for Trinity United Methodist Church’s team during the 5K Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic’s Community Fun Walk on Sept. 8. The trio said it was their first time participating in the walk in a few years. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Organizers of the Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic’s 14th annual Fun Walk once again exceeded their financial goal.

Sara Nicholls, executive director for The Sequim Free Clinic, said the Sept. 8 event raised $38,242 — surpassing the 2018 goal by more than $3,000 — thanks to 163 walkers and 55 volunteers.

Funds raised continue to support the clinic at 777 N. Fifth Ave. Last year, the Free Clinic hosted 1,129 patient visits, Nicholls said, and so far they’ve seen a 16 percent increase in patients this year.

For the walk, Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church’s Team Akaloo brought the most walkers (65) for the 5K event and raised more than $5,700. Nicholls said of 57 sponsors for the event, 12 gave at least $1,000. Vendors included free health screenings, healthy food, community service programs and more.

The clinic, which is supported by work of 73 volunteers, providers, nurses and administrative staff, opens at 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays for walk-in basic urgent care. A chronic care clinic is available by appointment.

The clinic’s Working on Wellness (WOW!) continues to offer free public forums at 2:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave. For more information, contact The Sequim Free Clinic, 777 N. Fifth Ave., at 360-582-0218 or visit sequimfreeclinic.org.

Gloria Fitzpatrick makes a smoothie on a special bike supervised by Carlos Mejia Rodriguez, community engagement with Molina Healthcare, at the Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic’s Community Fun Walk & Health Fair on Sept. 8 in Trinity United Methodist Church. Fitzpatrick said this was the first time she made a smoothie on a bike. Rodriguez said their message was to show people can make healthy drinks for themselves. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Gloria Fitzpatrick makes a smoothie on a special bike supervised by Carlos Mejia Rodriguez, community engagement with Molina Healthcare, at the Dungeness Valley Health & Wellness Clinic’s Community Fun Walk & Health Fair on Sept. 8 in Trinity United Methodist Church. Fitzpatrick said this was the first time she made a smoothie on a bike. Rodriguez said their message was to show people can make healthy drinks for themselves. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

This year, 163 walkers participated in The Sequim Free Clinic’s 5K Fun Walk on Sept. 8. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

This year, 163 walkers participated in The Sequim Free Clinic’s 5K Fun Walk on Sept. 8. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Lisa Boulware and Mark Ozias walk with their dogs while talking with Eric Lewis, chief executive officer for Olympic Medical Center on Saturday, Sept. 8 during the Sequim Free Clinic’s Fun Walk. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Lisa Boulware and Mark Ozias walk with their dogs while talking with Eric Lewis, chief executive officer for Olympic Medical Center on Saturday, Sept. 8 during the Sequim Free Clinic’s Fun Walk. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Walkers stretch before starting a 5K walk on Sept. 8 benefiting the Sequim Free Clinic. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash

Walkers stretch before starting a 5K walk on Sept. 8 benefiting the Sequim Free Clinic. Sequim Gazette photo by Matthew Nash