A Year End Note From the Free Clinic

The clinic had a busy end to the year. We had a physician step down from the clinic and began having the clinic open only three Mondays out of the month. The nurse manager, Sarah Yentes, shared she was moving and a replacement for her position was being sought. We also found out Dr. Fish, our medical director, would also be stepping down as director. We thank both of them for the hours they dedicated to the clinic, helping it flourish! It was a time full of prayer and hope that these positions would be filled. By November, the nurse manager position was filled but we are still looking for a new director. Until then, we are open the 2nd and 3rd Mondays of the month. Our volunteer staff has been strong through all of the transitions, adjusting to new personnel and ideas. We were excited to continue a partnership with Des Moines University, having med students come each Monday to shadow the physicians and learn.

Our patients were as great as ever! We had the privilege of serving 195 new patients to the clinic this past year. We saw 308 people, mostly adults and some children. They arrived with everything from acute to chronic illnesses or needing a school or work physical. Our relationship with Dallas County Health continues to help us in many ways, giving the patients more resources outside of the clinic. We are so thankful for the donations we receive from the community, whether it is medications, health supplies or paper towels. The school health fair grows each year and we are excited to continue it. Each week we hope we touch the lives of each of our patients as they touch ours. 

Please pray we find a new medical director and a couple more doctors. We would love to have the clinic open each Monday again and hope to eventually open another day of the week too. This year, we strive to enhance our communication with volunteers, donors and patients through email, newsletters and Facebook. We are bringing each of the three branches of the Waukee Christian Services together as one group, hopefully strengthening our mission and reaching more people. Thank you for your support and prayers!

Amy Dobberfuhl
Waukee Free Clinic Nurse Manager