Mel Leaman Free Clinic

The Mel Leaman Free Clinic is a non-profit medical facility dedicated to offering free, comprehensive, and compassionate healthcare services to the underserved residents of Smyth, Washington, and Grayson counties in Southwest Virginia. Established with the mission to address the critical need for primary health and dental care among the working poor and uninsured, the clinic operates entirely on donations and grants, receiving no reimbursement from patients or insurers. The clinic provides a wide array of services, including primary medical care, women's health care, behavioral medicine/psychiatric care, chronic disease management, and medication assistance. A significant aspect of its offerings is comprehensive dental care, including extractions and hygiene services, often in collaboration with Wytheville Community College's Dental Hygiene program. The Mel Leaman Free Clinic also facilitates referrals to specialty care when necessary. A key strength of the Mel Leaman Free Clinic lies in its strong partnership with Emory & Henry College's School of Health Sciences. This collaboration allows faculty and students from various health disciplines, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant, and Athletic Training programs, to volunteer their time and expertise, enhancing the breadth and quality of services available. This interprofessional approach not only benefits patients but also provides valuable hands-on experience for students. The clinic is committed to improving the overall well-being of the uninsured population, enabling them to remain active and healthy contributors to their communities and families. They strive to achieve this by actively reaching out to eligible individuals, providing high-quality care that encourages word-of-mouth referrals, and even offering supplemental resources like food and over-the-counter medications to address broader patient needs. Its operational funds are sourced from various grants and community contributions, including support from the Virginia Association of Free and Charitable Clinics and the Virginia Health Care Foundation.