CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLENOW) – For more than 42 years, Good Samaritan Ministry, a ministry of First Baptist Clarksville, has served those in need through free medical and dental clinics.
“We are here to share God’s love and get people out of pain and functioning, so they can get back into society so they can contribute back to being a part of our community,” said Julie Olson, administrator of Good Samaritan Ministry.
First Baptist Clarksville, along with the support of grants and donations provide the funds needed to operate the facility. All of the medical services offered by Good Samaritan are free to those who are uninsured.
Olson said on the medical side they have seven doctors and five nurses. “We see chronic conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, and any ailment that requires monthly medication. They stop in and see a doctor and they leave with their medications,” she said.
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Good Samaritan offers dental services from seven dentists, with tooth extraction being the only medical service provided. Olson emphasized that all of the doctors, dentists and nurses are volunteers and provide their medical help free of charge.
Compassion Corner is another service that the organization features. Olson said the program has many over-the-counter medications you can find at a pharmacy. There are also some hygiene items available, and individuals can stop by and receive five items each week.
Olson added that there are no qualifications for Compassion Corner, but individuals will have to sign for the items they receive. “We also take donations from the community, we do ask that they are new and unused, and we do take medical supplies as well,” Olson said.
Along with medical supplies, Good Samaritan also accepts financial donations, and Olson said all donations stay right here in the clinic and don’t go anywhere else. “We are here for the uninsured and we are going to do whatever we can to help people get back on their feet, out of pain and feeling good,” Olson said.
Good Samaritan Ministry can be found at 346 Union St. in Clarksville and the office is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. until noon. The medical and dental clinics are open at various times depending on the availability of the volunteer doctors and dentists.
To learn more about Good Samaritan Ministry visit fbct.org/goodsam, email goodsam@fbct.org or call 931-648-2444.
Giving Grace, sponsored by Grace Dental, is a Clarksville Now series showcasing local nonprofit organizations.