Living
Body of Christ Community Cling celebrates 2nd anniversary
Thursday, 28 June 2012 by Colleen Cornelison
Dr. Lloyd Jones, retired Doctor, volunteers his time at the afternoon clinic. Donna Dunn is the Executive Director.The Body of Christ Community Clinic strives to meet more than just the physical needs of its patients, and since opening its doors, the clinic has seen more than 2,300 clinic visits.
Though primarily catering to the medical needs of the uninsured and underinsured within the community, the staff, which consists of 20-25 volunteers per week, impacts the lives of all who walk through their doors.
One such patient, Dee Rigney, came to the Clinic October of last year lacking insurance due to recent unemployment, and struggling under her $700 per month prescription costs. She came in to be treated for her RLS, (restless leg syndrome), CLPD, and chronic headaches.
However, Rigney said she found an environment of people wanting to meet every need they could, beyond the medical.
"It's not only the medical help they provide, it's the encouragement, the prayers, and the moral support, that they give to the people that they help physically," Rigney said. "If it was not for the people at this clinic, I don't where I would be right now"
Rigney and her husband Dean, moved to the area from Kentucky in August of 2010; Dean receives insurance through Medicare, but Dee remained unemployed for 8 months, and thus was unable to afford insurance.
"It's not convenient, but we haven't lost faith, and we haven't lost hope," Rigney said. "And a lot of that has come from this Clinic because of the fact that we have met some genuinely wonderful Christian people."
Rigney now works in retail, and is hoping to soon gain insurance through her new employment.
However, the donation based, 501c3 Clinic has been a constant source of hope for the Rigneys as they endure their time of transition.
Body of Christ sees approximately 30 patients per week and volunteer doctors and nurses offers treatment for both acute and chronic illnesses. They also have volunteer dentists on staff who provide fillings, extractions and cleanings.
All the Clinic asks by way of charge is for a $5-$10 donation per visit; however the donation is completely voluntary.
"They don't make you feel like you can't receive services if you can't afford it," Rigney said. "They don't make you feel like you have to give it back to them."
The Body of Christ Clinic is open Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. and from 6-9 p.m. and rents their office space from Helping Hands Food Bank.
The Clinic depends on the support of volunteers through time and money.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Donna Dunn at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (254) 939-9500.
