The United Way of Clallam County announced earlier this week that the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic has been approved as a new partner agency by the board of directors.
The clinic, at 777 N. Fifth Ave., Sequim, serves health care needs of people who are uninsured and under-insured. Services include walk-in basic urgent care, scheduled chronic-care appointments and a wellness program.
“The United Way is excited to add Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic to our list of valued partner agencies,” said Jo Johnston, United Way Funds distribution chairman. “Their strong commitment to providing free health care access to Clallam County residents had them serving over 500 new clients in 2013 alone. Health care laws are changing, but not fast enough. There is still a large gap in affordable insurance and the ability to find local providers. The Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic is filling those gaps.”
Audrey Gift, the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic’s board president, said, “Our agency is very proud to become a United Way partner agency. The value in becoming a partner not only includes the enhanced fundraising opportunities, but the ability to work more closely with the broader nonprofit community as a whole.”
Pamela Leonard-Ray, the Dungeness Valley Health and Wellness Clinic’s new executive director, noted that in 2013 the clinic had a total of 2,017 patient visits. This number breaks down to include 854 visits to the Chronic Healthcare Clinic and 1,163 to the evening Basic Urgent Care Clinic. The value of health services to the community totaled $659,030, she said.
Jody Moss, executive director of United Way, said the clinic joins Volunteers in Medicine of the Olympics, its sister clinic in Port Angeles, as a partner agency with a focus on meeting the needs of individuals who are unable to access health care in any other way.
“This program not only addresses a significant gap in our community, but helps individuals to regain their health,” Moss said. “We hope the community will join United Way in welcoming this clinic to our array of partners.”
