Most of us at Emmaus have not carried the burden of knowing we cannot provide good medical and dental care for our families, but do not let that lull you into complacency, thinking there is no need in our community.
If you visit the Healthcare Volunteer Associates Clinic any Wednesday evening, you will find a “packed house," but only a limited number of these patients can be seen. The patient load is determined each evening by the number of working volunteers at the clinic.
The staff is composed exclusively of volunteers, including physicians, nurses, medical assistants, office staff, and interpreters. The Clinic is in need of more volunteers in all areas, but there is an urgent need for dental hygienists as well as additional dentists and doctors (general or family practice, ER or internists) to volunteer once each month.
Many of the patients have never been to a dentist and require medical treatment for infections prior to receiving dental care. The Clinic has a dental chair and dental equipment, but if there is not a volunteer dentist present, patients cannot be treated. “The Clinic needs to expand and reach more patients in our area that truly don’t have anywhere else to turn,” says Jerry Jones, Clinic Administrator.
If you can help, please contact the Healthcare Volunteer Associates Clinic at (512) 263-0265. We are conveniently located in Lakeway at 1310 RR 620 South.